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Keeping houseplants can be an incredibly rewarding experience, as they’re great accent pieces, add an element of nature to any space and bring in a little bit of fresh air. But keeping House Plant Gardening houseplants is not easy for everyone. Many people don’t understand their specific needs and end up killing them. You see, most houseplants are grown in water-filled pots (not to be confused with a plant that loves water) to help keep the soil moist so they don’t dry out. However, there are many mistakes that people make when trying to keep plants alive for longer. From overwatering them to giving them the wrong type of light, there are numerous things you need to know before bringing one home from the store. Here are some practical tips on how you can keep your indoor plants alive for longer

Don’t overwater your houseplants

This is perhaps one of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced plant owners, as it can be difficult to tell when a plant needs more water. If the soil is completely dry, it’s time to water the plant. If the top of the soil is slightly moist, you don’t need to water the plant. Remember: When you water the plant, remove any excess water from its pot using a paper towel. If you water the plant and the excess water sits in the pot, the roots will rot. Because houseplants are grown in soil, they’re more susceptible to overwatering than outdoor plants that grow in a sandy or clay-like mix. When the plant’s soil becomes waterlogged, it can result in root rot and kill the plant. To avoid this, make sure you change the soil every once in a while and check the drainage holes to see if they are clogged. When repotting your indoor plants, replace the old soil with new, unsoiled soil.

Ensure adequate light is present

For an indoor plant to thrive, it needs both the right nutrients and light to survive. Most houseplants need bright, indirect sunlight, which can be simulated by placing them near a bright window with a sheer curtain hung in front of it. If you don’t have a bright window where you can place your indoor plants, you can use artificial lights. For most plants, a grow light will suffice; however, if you have a plant that requires direct sunlight (i.e., wildflower or African violet), you’ll need to use a high-intensity light. Keep in mind that too much light can burn your plants, so place them near a window that gets a lot of sunlight but isn’t directly facing it. If your plant is getting too much light, you can always use a curtain to block it out.

Watch out for leaf discoloration

If your houseplant’s leaves suddenly turn brown and begin to fall off, it’s likely a sign of overwatering. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, which in turn can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the soil. When the roots die, they release a toxin into the soil that can travel up the stems and kill the plant. To avoid this, check your plant’s soil regularly and don’t water it more than once every two weeks. If your plant’s leaves suddenly turn yellow, it could be a sign that it’s not getting enough sunlight or water. If there’s no sign of insects or disease and the soil feels damp, the plant might need more light.

Commit to an easy-care variety

When choosing a plant to place in your home, make sure you purchase one that’s easy to care for. You don’t want to bring a fern or cactus into your house if you have no idea how to properly take care of it. Some of the best indoor plants are the ones that are super easy to maintain. Cacti are one of the simplest houseplants to care for, as they don’t require much water or sunlight. Another easy-to-maintain plant is the philodendron, which requires a moderate amount of light and water and can survive for up to 10 years.

Repot only when necessary

While it’s important to repot your houseplants from time to time, you don’t want to do it too often. When you repot, you’re removing the plant from its current container and putting it into a larger one. If the plant is growing, it usually means there’s not enough room in the soil for the roots to grow. A good rule of thumb is to repot your plants every two to three years. If you keep your plants in decorative pots and they start to look crowded or diseased, it’s probably time to repot. Similarly, if you notice the soil is dry and the roots look shriveled and unhealthy, it’s probably time to repot as well.

Conclusion

Houseplants are a great addition to any home and are a great way to add some greenery and fresh air to your space. However, keeping them alive is no easy task. If you follow these tips, you should have no problem keeping your plants happy and healthy. With the right light, water and soil, your plants will thrive for years to come.

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