There is a specific science to care for them and those requirements [must be] met for them to stay alive. You might see a plant at the nursery or a friend’s house and want one for yourself—but it might not be the right plant for you, according to bliss bendall, nybg certified horticulturist. Those who live in dry or desert-like climateswith minimal humidity should keep humidity levels in mind when they purchase plants. · to help you keep your indoor garden thriving, heres what experts say are the most common reasons for unhappy houseplants , plus their best tips on how to avoid making these mistakes. Temperature affects their health, especially if a plants origins are in a hot or cold climate. Learn the most common indoor plant care mistakes beginners make—and simple fixes that keep plants healthy and alive. Humidity levels in your home will ultimately affect the long-term health of your plant, especially if they have tropical origins. “no matter how badly you want a fiddle leaf fig, for example, if you do not have very bright, filtered warm sun exposure for six to eight hours a day, the plant wi. While dusting plantsis a chore, it’s essential to keep those leaves clean to maximize growth, explains bendall. This is an easy fix. You wouldn’t want to keep them in a place that would freeze or burn them to death. ” But the good news? But you could just be giving up too early, according to the horticulturist. “dust can block sunlight to leaves, which slows down photosynthesis, which is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. ” You might feel frustrated or give up on a plant because you think it isn’t growing fast enough. “southeast sunlight exposure is not as strong as northwest, for example. Water can also impact soil,” bendall says. If you’ve been keeping plants on top of your air conditioner or heater, move them and then shop for some new decor. · even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re caring for houseplants. See full list on realsimple. com If you travel a lot or work long hours, being a plant parent might not be in the cards for you. There is no winging it for 90 percent of common houseplants, be. Overwatering, too much sun, or forgetting to repot can sneak up on anyone. By tackling these pitfalls, you’ll move from plant disappointments to succulent success stories. “plants are living things. Keep in mind that many house plants sho. “use distilled, sodium-free water because salt buildup is poisonous for almost all houseplants. You need to know where the sun is coming from during what time of day. ” We’ve journeyed through the labyrinth of common houseplant blunders—what a trip! “you must know exactly how to care for your plant and consistently take care of it. · discover 15+ common houseplant mistakes to avoid—and how to fix them mindfully for healthier, thriving indoor plants, from beginner to rare species. Not repotting a plantas it ages or grows bigger can be a big mistake. “soil ages poorly because it erodes over time. Some grow so slowly they migh. Tap water might be cheap and convenient, but it isn’t the optimal choice for plants , according to bendall. “set a reminder so that you can remember every few months to fertilize your plants. ” if youre not sure how often to fertilize your specific plant, look up the recommended cadence. · new to houseplants ? If you keep a plant in a too-small pot, it can become root-bound, meaning the roots run out of space. It’s crucial to understand what direction the light is coming from in your home. “this step often gets overlooked because you do not have to do it often, but don’t forget to fertilize your plants,” hewitt says. This can also determine what room you put your plant in. Most of these issues are totally fixable once you spot them. Just buy those gallon jugs of distilled water or boil your own and use it 24 hours after boiling. ” “sometimes you’ll choose a plant you wanted to stay a particular size for a particular area but the plant might rapidly grow bigger in a year or so. “it really makes all the difference,” bendall says.