Common Plant Mistakes

by Lexi, Day-Riverside Branch

Quarantine has turned a lot of us into indoor-gardeners. And for good reason! Houseplants can brighten up any room and are a perfect first step for anyone looking to take on a little more responsibility! Trust me, if you can keep a houseplant alive, you are ready for just about everything. You don’t need to have a green thumb if you avoid the following pitfalls on the journey to plant parenthood.
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Underwatering

Why? Underwatering your plants is like forgetting to feed your hamster. They need that hydration! 

How can you tell? Under-watered plants will develop brown, crispy leaf edges. If you’re noticing that the lower leaves of your plants are turning yellow and curled, check the soil! Anytime the top 1-2 inches of the soil are bone dry it’s time to water.
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​Overwatering

Why? Let me tell you, plants can be temperamental. Not enough water? They’re upset. Too much water? They’re even more upset! If you overwater your plants their roots will start to drown, rot and die. Most plants really don’t want additional water if their top 1-2 inches of soil aren’t dry, (there are certain jungly plants that need their soil to remain moist). 

How can you tell? If you smell a rotten odor from the soil, the base of the plant stem feels mushy or a light white fungus appears on your soil, you are overwatering. If the plant’s leaves are suddenly dropping off or turning mushy, pull back your watering! Make sure you enter your drip tray every time you water and - instead of watering on a schedule - start testing the soil for dryness as an indicator for when to water. It’s tricky, but this is genuinely the toughest part of plant parenting. If you can master this, you can raise anything!
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​Plant Cleaning

Why? Plants that grow outdoors get naturally groomed - the wind and rain clean their leaves and blow away debris. Since your plants are indoors, they’ll need your help! Be sure to clean away any dead leaves at least about once a month. Use a spray bottle to mist and clean the leaves. Remember, plants breathe through little pores on their leaves and the dust that gathers in all households will often clog these pores. While the exact effect of spraying your plants is sometimes contested, most plant owners will swear that misted plants tend to thrive. 

How can you tell? By looking! Do you see dusty leaves? Give them a mist! Is your  plant sitting in soil covered with dead leaves? Get those outta here!

​Too Little Light

Why? Basic biology, baby! Plants need that light to photosynthesize. Without it? They’ll starve! 

How can you tell? Your plant will become “leggy”. Longer and longer sections of stem will grow between leaves that will start reaching out for whatever light source they have available. If your plants are becoming scraggly and pale find a spot closer to the window or move them to a room with a south-facing window (or, if you’re out of options, a west-facing window).
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Too Much Light

Why? All plants need light to live, we know this! But bright, direct sunlight can really torment your plant. Even outdoors, most of these plants spend long parts of their day in some form of shade or other, (whether it’s under bigger plants or in the shadow of large rocks). Some of your houseplants will need some protection as well! 

How can you tell? If your plant has scorched or bleached leaves, it’s time to move it farther away from the window, (even just a few extra feet can make the difference)! You can also transfer your plant to a room with north-facing windows.
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Know Your Plant's Origin Story

Why? Every plant species has very specific needs, hopes and dreams. It’s true! Whenever embarking on a new houseplant adventure, take a few minutes to research the plant’s OG environment. What is the soil like? How dry is the environment? How often is their rainfall? Knowing all of this will help you understand exactly what your plant does and does not need from you! 

How can you tell? Sometimes it can be hard to figure out what species your plant is! Here are a few free apps that can help you. PlantNet, iNaturalist and PlantSnap are all excellent identification tools. Once you’re armed with the knowledge of your plant’s natural needs? Nothing can stop you.

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