Keeping houseplants alive was much different for our ancestors who lived in homes surrounded by dirt, fields, and animals. Most homes today consist of lock-tight windows, dark hallways, and electronics – that doesn’t even take air quality into consideration.
Indoor plants offer so many benefits. Not only do they remove toxins and dust from the air, but they remind us of our connection to nature and liven our living space.
Perhaps you’re someone who has trouble keeping houseplants alive and you’re sure there’s no hope for you. We’re here to tell you that that there’s still hope!
Today, we’re discussing five of the most common reasons houseplants die and what you can do to remedy them.
1.Too little light
Ambient or artificial light is not enough for most houseplants. Humans are used to adapting to various lighting styles but plants thrive in direct sunlight. If you notice your houseplant starting to droop, move it to a brighter spot.
When your plant’s leaves become floppy, lanky, or pale, it’s probably not getting enough light. Do a quick Google search to determine how many hours of direct sunlight your plant should get and move it accordingly.
Alternative: If you prefer, you can choose indoor plants that need very little direct sunlight and can thrive on a windowsill or corner.
2.Inconsistent water
Many of us who struggle with maintaining a green thumb will notice our houseplants dying suddenly from being too dry.
If you forget to consistently water your plants, set yourself a reminder on your smartphone so you’ll never forget.
To keep your plant from drying out, take the following steps:
- Move your new plant into a bigger pot (most are sold in tiny pots)
- Ensure the new pot has drainage holes
- Water plants less often and when you do, soak them thoroughly in the sink or with a pitcher
- If the soil gets so dry that it won’t absorb water, place the pot in the sink and let the faucet trickle on the plant for 15 minutes – this will make it feel much heavier
3.Low-quality fertilizer
Most people make the mistake of giving their indoor plants too much fertilizer, which burns the roots and kills them.
To avoid killing off your plants with fertilizer, use something gentle and organic such as worm castings.
Worm castings are worm feces but they’re odorless and pet-safe. Worm castings enhance soil structure and moisture retention so your houseplants will be in better health when you add them to your soil.
You can buy worm casting fertilizer in individual bags, which is perfect for the indoor grower.
4.Dry air
Iowa is typically a humid state, but we do have our dry winters. Constantly running the AC or heat can affect your houseplants just as much as living in an arid location.
Low humidity causes stress on plants, so keep a humidifier running in your home to help your plants thrive. You can also choose plants that don’t need humidity such as succulents, bulbs, or anything with “woody” stems.
5.False alarms
Sometimes homeowners think their plants are dead when in reality they’re still going. Plants have the ability to re-grow after trauma and neglect, so don’t throw in the towel unless you’ve tried the following:
- Trim away the dead leaves
- Give the plant more sunlight
- Add worm castings to the soil
- Check to see if it’s a plant that goes dormant
- Move the plant to a cool garage or basement for a while
