the 6 most common mistakes to avoid

Green at home is not only beautiful, but also very trendy. But even though more and more of us are falling for houseplants, that doesn't (unfortunately) make us plant experts. And there are a number of mistakes we almost all make when looking after our green plants.

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid and all our tips for pampering your houseplants and keeping them alive as long as possible.

Mistake # 1: overwatering them

This is probably the most common mistake we make when caring for our houseplants, and one of the main reasons they die: we simply water them too much. Sure, plants need a steady supply of water to grow, but we often overestimate the amount needed. Who says "water" does not say "drown"!

The problem of excess water? The soil is so saturated with water that the roots of the plant can no longer absorb it. The result: the roots of our houseplants are too wet and start to rot. As a result, the plant can no longer absorb water and slowly dies.

Symptoms :

• The ground smells musty or becomes moldy
• The leaves are turning yellow
• Midges are beating around the bush

The solution :
How do you know when to water? It's easy: if the soil is dry, we water, if it is wet, we leave it alone. To do this, all you have to do is push your finger a few centimeters into the ground: if the ground is damp or wet, you wait. If the soil looks dry, it's time to water. Succulents and cacti can also go without water for a long time and only need to be watered infrequently.

See: 5 Plants You (Almost) Don't Need To Water

Video by Clemence Chevallet

Mistake # 2: not enough or too much light

Plants need light to grow, so a sunny window sill is perfect, right? False! It is not possible to generalize, because each plant has different requirements regarding its location. For example, while cacti and succulents generally like sun and drought, other plants prefer semi-shaded locations or high humidity.

Yes, plants need light to thrive, it's part of photosynthesis. However, direct sunlight can burn them.

Symptoms :

• Leaves wither, turn yellow, or curl (too much sun)
• Leaves turn yellow (too little light)
• Leaves have brown tips (air too dry)

The solution :
We take care to find a place of choice for our plants so that they flourish. Before buying a plant, we learn about its requirements in order to see if they can be satisfied in our interior. Those who live in a low-light apartment, for example, will have every interest in choosing a plant that supports shade well.

Also read: 8 houseplants that don't need light to thrive

Mistake n ° 3: not fertilizing your plants

Did you know that plants need regular nutrients to grow well? When we buy a new plant or just repot it, it is usually flourishing, but after a few months the growth seems to stagnate. The reason: Plant soil is usually only mixed with fertilizer for 4-6 weeks, after which you have to fertilize your plants yourself so that they receive nutrients. And that's super important for taking care of our houseplants.

Symptoms :

• The plant stops growing or grows very slowly
• The leaves are turning yellow

The solution :
During the growing season, from around March to October, the plants should be fertilized regularly. Depending on the plant, once or twice a month or even less frequently. Choosing the right fertilizer is also important: orchid fertilizer, green plant fertilizer, or cactus fertilizer – the nutrients must be suitable for the plant.

Mistake # 4: forgetting to repot your houseplants

When was the last time you repotted your plants? If you don't remember, maybe now is the time. If roots are growing in the drainage holes, it is high time to repot the plant in a new pot. After a year or two in the same pot, most houseplants are ripe for repotting.

Symptoms :

• The plant no longer grows or grows very slowly
• The roots grow on the surface of the earth or at the bottom of the pot

The solution :
In general, it is necessary to repot newly purchased plants, as they are often grown in pots that are a little too small. Subsequently, repotting is done: every year, for a young plant in full growth; every 2 or 3 years thereafter. Early spring is the best time to repot, another possible time being late summer. It is better to choose a pot with a size larger than the previous one.

Mistake # 5: detecting pests too late

Are the leaves turning yellow or have spots? Mistakes in care are not always to blame when our plant looks gray. Parasites such as spider mites, thrips or aphids often cause problems for our plants. Once they have been identified, they can be easily controlled with the help of home remedies and chemicals. But often, we don't realize it until it's too late.

Symptoms :

• Leaves turn yellow and wilt
• The leaves curl up
• Leaves are stained or discolored

The solution :
We check our plants regularly, every time we water them for example. The armpits and the underside of the leaves should be watched, as parasites often hide there. In many cases, especially if the infestation is not too severe, it is already helpful to give the plants a good shower. Additionally, various home remedies and natural remedies such as neem oil often help with pests very well. If the problem persists, there are also chemical ways to combat them. We don't hesitate to go to the garden center for advice!

Mistake # 6: never clean them

Our plant is doing wonderfully! But beware, it can be magnificent in its flowering, but you must also look around, on the leaves precisely. They are the ones that boost the growth of our plant, because they are the vector of photosynthesis. If this is no longer done because the leaves are covered with dust, the plant becomes soft and withers.

Symptoms :

• The plant loses its shine
• The leaves are turning yellow
• The plant stops growing

The solution :
Using a sponge or a cloth and demineralized water (ideally) and baking soda, we gently remove the dust on the foliage. Another possibility is to take them out in the rain when the weather is mild enough, never when it is cold. Rainwater will gently clean the leaves and the plant with water at the right temperature.