Indoor plants bring life, colour, and fresh air to your home. However, taking care of them can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to plant care. While it’s easy to be tempted by beautiful greenery, many people make common mistakes that can harm their plants without even realising it. By understanding what to avoid, you can help your indoor plants thrive and create a lush, vibrant environment in your home. Here’s a list of common indoor plant mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overwatering or Underwatering

One of the most common mistakes when it comes to plant care is watering incorrectly. Both overwatering and underwatering can stress out plants, leading to yellowing leaves, wilting, or root rot.

• Overwatering: Many indoor plants suffer from overwatering because it’s easy to assume that plants need a lot of water to stay healthy. Too much water can drown the roots, depriving them of oxygen and leading to root rot. Always ensure that your pots have good drainage, and never let water sit at the bottom of the pot.

Solution: Check the moisture level of the soil by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it’s still moist, skip watering. Also, make sure to allow the plant’s soil to dry out between waterings, depending on the specific needs of the plant.

• Underwatering: On the flip side, underwatering is just as harmful. Plants can wilt, dry out, and become stressed if they don’t get enough water. Some plants, like succulents, need less water, but others, like ferns or tropical plants, require more frequent hydration.

Solution: Learn the watering needs of your plants and establish a regular watering schedule. Keep in mind that some plants like their soil to be consistently moist, while others prefer it to dry out completely between waterings.

2. Placing Plants in the Wrong Light

Every plant has its preferred light conditions, and placing a plant in the wrong spot can cause it to struggle. Too much light can scorch the leaves, while too little can stunt growth.

• Too much sunlight: Some plants, like succulents, thrive in bright, direct sunlight, but others, like ferns or peace lilies, can get sunburned if exposed to too much direct light.
• Too little sunlight: On the other hand, many plants (especially flowering plants) need indirect or bright light to flourish. Without enough light, plants can become leggy, with long, spindly stems and pale, unhealthy leaves.

Solution: Research the specific light requirements for each plant. Most houseplants do well in bright, indirect light, but some, like cacti, need direct sunlight. Adjust the placement of your plants to suit their needs—near windows with sheer curtains for softer light, or in rooms with good natural light.

3. Using the Wrong Soil

Not all soils are created equal, and using the wrong type for your plants can affect their growth and overall health. Some plants, like cacti and succulents, require well-draining soil, while others, like ferns, thrive in soil that retains moisture.

• Incorrect soil composition: Some houseplants need a specific type of soil mix to support their roots. For instance, tropical plants often require moisture-retaining soil, while succulents and cacti need fast-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Solution: Use the appropriate soil for each plant. If you’re not sure which soil to use, research or ask at a garden centre for guidance. You can also amend your soil mix by adding perlite or sand for better drainage or organic compost for moisture retention.

4. Ignoring the Need for Proper Drainage

Poor drainage is a common issue that leads to root rot, especially when plants sit in waterlogged soil for too long. While it’s important to have the right soil, ensuring proper drainage is just as crucial.

• Lack of drainage holes: Some pots don’t have drainage holes at the bottom, causing excess water to accumulate and suffocate the roots.

Solution: Always use pots with drainage holes. If you’re using decorative pots that don’t have holes, consider placing your plant in a nursery pot that fits inside the decorative container. This way, water can drain freely, and you can remove the inner pot for watering.

5. Not Cleaning Your Plants

Dust, dirt, and pests can accumulate on plant leaves, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Plants with dusty leaves are also more prone to pest infestations, which can cause significant damage over time.

• Neglecting cleaning: Plants can quickly become dusty, especially in dry indoor environments. Dust on the leaves prevents your plants from absorbing light properly, leading to poor growth.

Solution: Regularly wipe down the leaves of your plants with a damp cloth to keep them clean. You can also gently shower your plants under a lukewarm faucet or with a spray bottle of water to rinse off dust. Be careful not to over-wet the soil or cause water to pool around the base of the plant.

6. Using Inappropriate Fertiliser

Fertiliser provides essential nutrients to your plants, but using the wrong type or applying it at the wrong time can cause more harm than good. Over-fertilising can burn the roots, while under-fertilising can lead to nutrient deficiencies and poor growth.

• Over-fertilisation: Some people overuse fertilisers, thinking that more is better. Excessive fertiliser can result in “fertiliser burn,” causing brown tips and scorched leaves.
• Under-fertilisation: On the other hand, not fertilising enough can leave your plants lacking the nutrients they need for healthy growth.

Solution: Use the right type of fertiliser for each plant. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully to avoid over-fertilising. Typically, most houseplants benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser every month during the growing season (spring and summer). During the winter, when many plants are dormant, reduce or stop fertilising.

7. Not Repotting When Necessary

As plants grow, their roots can outgrow their pots, leading to root-bound plants that struggle to thrive. Repotting is an important part of plant care that is often overlooked.

• Root-bound plants: When a plant has outgrown its pot, the roots may become tangled and suffocate, leading to stunted growth and poor health. This is especially common with fast-growing plants or those that have been in the same pot for too long.

Solution: Repot your plants when they outgrow their current containers. Typically, you’ll know it’s time to repot if you notice the roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant is top-heavy. Choose a new pot that’s only one size larger than the current one to avoid water retention issues.

8. Placing Plants Too Close Together

While it’s tempting to fill a space with lots of plants, overcrowding can create competition for light, water, and nutrients. When plants are too close together, airflow is limited, which can lead to mildew and pest problems.

• Poor spacing: Plants need room to grow and breathe. Overcrowding them can lead to a less healthy indoor garden.

Solution: Ensure that your plants have enough space to grow comfortably. Space them out, allowing for good air circulation, and avoid clustering them too closely together. Proper spacing also makes it easier to water and care for each plant individually.

9. Not Monitoring for Pests

Indoor plants are just as susceptible to pests as outdoor plants, and neglecting to check for insects can lead to bigger problems.

• Common pests: Houseplants can attract pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs, which can damage the leaves and stems.

Solution: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests, such as discolouration, webbing, or sticky residue. If you notice any pests, treat your plants immediately with natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to prevent infestations from spreading.

Conclusion

Caring for indoor plants requires some attention, but avoiding these common mistakes will help your plants thrive and bring lasting beauty to your home. By paying attention to watering habits, light requirements, soil types, and other basic care principles, you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant indoor garden. Remember, each plant has its own specific needs, so research each one and adjust your care routine accordingly. With the right approach, your indoor plants will flourish, and you’ll have a lush, green home to enjoy all year round!