Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when you’re caring for houseplants. Overwatering, too much sun, or forgetting to repot can sneak up on anyone.
But the good news? Most of these issues are totally fixable once you spot them.
The most basic houseplant mistakes usually come down to not quite understanding what your plant needs. With a few quick adjustments, you can get things back on track and help your plants bounce back.
Table of Contents
Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. Overwatering your plant
It’s easy to think you’re helping by giving your plant lots of water, but too much can actually do harm. Most houseplants prefer their soil to get a bit dry before the next drink.
When roots sit in soggy soil, they can’t get enough air. This makes it easier for root rot to set in, which is tough to fix.
Check the top inch of soil with your finger – if it feels dry, it’s usually a good time to water. Always pour out water that collects in the saucer so your plant isn’t sitting in it. Your plant will do better with a routine that lets the soil dry a little between waterings.
2. Ignoring drainage needs
Water collecting at the bottom of pots can quickly become a problem for your plants. Without a way for excess water to escape, roots might sit in soggy soil for too long, which can lead to rot.
It’s a good idea to use pots with holes in the bottom. These let extra water drain out so roots have access to both moisture and air.
Setting your container on a saucer helps catch drips, but don’t let water sit there for days. Pour it out to prevent the soil from staying wet longer than it should.
Ignoring drainage is one of the more common reasons people run into unhealthy houseplants. Taking a few minutes to check your setup can make a big difference.
3. Using the wrong soil type
Every plant has its own needs when it comes to soil. Some like things really well-draining, while others do better in a mix that holds a bit more moisture.
You might grab a big bag of potting mix and use it for everything – indoors, outdoors, wherever. But just be aware that this can cause problems, as roots could get soggy or dry out too quickly, depending on the plant.
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That said, I will say that, for the vast majority of houseplants, this houseplant-specific potting mix has the perfect mix of drainage and nutrients to help your plants thrive.
At the same time, if you’re looking for something specifically created for tropical houseplants, like if your monstera or pothos are looking for something new, check out this tropical plant potting mix to ensure even more drainage.
On the other hand, succulents need sandy, gritty substrates that help water drain quickly, and this potting mix for succulents will definitely do the trick.
It’s a good idea to check what kind of growing medium your specific plant prefers. Picking the right one will help your plants get better nutrients and stay healthier.
4. Placing plants in low light
It’s easy to think most green things will do fine anywhere indoors, but a lot really struggle in very dim spots. Many species need bright, indirect sun to stay healthy.
Low light means growth slows down and leaves often turn pale or drop. You might see soil staying wet longer since the plant isn’t using much water.
If your plant looks a bit weak or the new leaves are much smaller, try moving it closer to a window. Even a few feet can make a big difference in how well your plant grows.
5. Neglecting to wipe leaves
Dust hangs out on leaves and blocks the sunlight your plant needs. Plants need light for photosynthesis, so when their leaves get too dirty, their growth can slow down.
A quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. Avoid using any products that could harm the surface – plain water works just fine.
Try to wipe both sides of each leaf every couple of weeks, especially if your plant sits near a window or on a shelf. A soft touch keeps things clean without damaging delicate leaves.
6. Not rotating plants for even growth
Plants will lean towards the main source of light, so you might notice them growing lopsided over time. When you forget to turn them every week or two, they won’t look as balanced and could develop bare spots.
Rotating helps each part get the light it needs. Give the pot or planter a quarter or half turn regularly. This way, your plant’s shape will stay more even.
You don’t need any special tools for this – just a reminder on your phone can do the trick. Making it part of your routine helps keep your space looking tidy and your plant healthier.
7. Fertilizing too often
It’s easy to think your plants need more nutrients, especially when you want them to grow faster. But adding fertilizer too frequently can do more harm than good. You might notice brown tips or slow growth instead of healthy leaves.
Most houseplants don’t use up fertilizer quickly. When you add it too often, salts can build up in the soil. This can stress roots and cause leaf problems or even stunt growth.
Always check your specific plant’s needs before reaching for the fertilizer. Most do fine with feeding every couple of months during active growing seasons. For many, less is better when it comes to fertilizer.
8. Using cold water for watering
Pouring water straight from the tap can be tempting, but cold temperatures aren’t great for your houseplants. It can shock the roots and slow down their growth.
Water that’s too chilly may even cause leaf drop or curled leaves, which is frustrating to see after you’ve cared for your plants so well. Sticking to room temperature water is much safer.
All you need is a jug left out overnight. Your plants will adjust much better, and you’ll worry less about any sudden changes.
9. Ignoring pest signs
Little bugs or sticky patches on leaves often get overlooked, but they shouldn’t. Small problems can quickly get bigger if you ignore them.
Check both sides of the leaves frequently for tiny insects, holes, or strange spots. These can be the first clues that something’s wrong.
You might also notice fine webs or a sticky residue on the soil. It’s a good idea to separate the affected plant right away to stop the spread.
Catching pest issues early makes it much easier to get plants healthy again. Regular checks only take a minute and can save you a lot of work later.
10. Pot size too big
Choosing a container that’s way too large might seem like a good idea, but it can actually create problems for your plant. Extra space holds onto more moisture, making it harder for roots to take up water at the right speed.
Roots could sit in wet soil for too long, increasing the chance of rot. It’s often better to size up only a little when repotting.
Plants need to feel a bit snug for healthy root growth. Give them a bit of room but avoid going too big too soon.
11. Failing to repot annually
Roots outgrow their space over time, which makes it harder for water and nutrients to reach all parts of the plant. You might notice water seems to run straight through or the soil dries out quicker than it used to.
Skipping an annual move can keep a plant from growing or looking its best. Fresh soil provides better drainage and a new supply of nutrients.
Most plants will benefit from having their containers checked every year, even if it doesn’t look crowded yet. Taking this extra step helps prevent stress and keeps things healthier long term.
12. Skipping humidity needs
Plenty of houseplants come from tropical places, so they’re used to humid air. When indoor air is too dry, you might notice brown tips, wilting, or even leaves dropping.
Misting won’t always be enough, especially in winter when heaters dry out the air. You could use a small humidifier or group your plants together to help create a pocket of moisture.
Placing a tray of water and pebbles near your plants can also bump up humidity a bit. It’s important to know which types really need it – some can handle drier air, but others won’t thrive without a little extra humidity.
13. Leaving dead leaves
Letting old or dried-up leaves hang around isn’t just a style issue for your plant – it can actually cause more problems. Those leaves can attract pests or fungi, which might spread to healthy parts.
When you remove dead bits, you help your plant focus on growing new foliage and staying healthy. Snip them off with clean scissors or gently pull them away by hand.
Regular checks keep your plants looking neat, and you’ll spot any other issues sooner. It’s a simple habit that makes a big difference.
14. Overexposing to direct sun
Some plants just can’t handle harsh light for long stretches. You might notice leaves turning brown or getting crispy at the edges when they get too much sun.
Most indoor varieties prefer softer, indirect light instead of being right on a sunny windowsill all day. Spots with filtered light work better for most types.
Check your plant’s care details so you know what it actually likes. Moving it a few feet back or using a sheer curtain can help prevent sunburn.
Giving your plant a break from direct rays won’t slow its growth – instead, it helps keep leaves healthier and color looking good. Keep an eye on changes so you can spot when it’s getting too much or not enough light.
15. Watering with hard tap water
Hard tap water can have extra minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up in your plant’s soil. Over time, this buildup can stress roots and cause brown spots or leaf edges.
Plants like peace lilies and calatheas often react badly to mineral-heavy water. You might notice leaves yellowing or crispy tips, which look a lot like underwatering.
Using filtered or rainwater is much gentler for your plants. If that’s not possible, you can let tap water sit out overnight before watering. This helps some chemicals, like chlorine, evaporate, although it doesn’t remove minerals entirely.
Long-Term Success With Indoor Plants
Keeping your indoor plants healthy means sticking to effective habits and making smart choices. Paying attention to how much water they need and matching them with a good pot can help them grow better and avoid most common problems.
Developing a Watering Routine
Getting the right watering pattern isn’t about sticking to a strict schedule. Different plants want different things – some like regular moisture, while others need the soil to dry out between drinks. Always check the top inch of soil with your finger. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
It helps to use room temperature water. Cold water can shock the roots and slow growth. Avoid watering late in the evening since damp soil overnight can encourage fungi. Some folks find it handy to keep a simple chart noting how often each plant has been watered.
Signs you’re watering too much include yellow or limp leaves, while too little can cause browning and crisp edges. And, of course, always use pots with drainage holes.
Choosing the Right Pot Size
Pot size affects root space and moisture. A pot that’s too small will crowd the roots, which can stunt growth. Too large a pot holds extra water, making root rot more likely. Choose pots that are one or two inches wider than the plant’s root ball.
Repotting every 1-2 years helps the roots expand. Keep an eye on signs like roots poking out from the bottom or growth slowing down. When you repot, use quality potting mix and gently loosen the root ball.
A snug fit encourages healthy roots and sturdy growth. Remember – a plant not sitting in extra water means fewer pests and a happier plant long-term. Always wash the new pot before use to remove residues that might affect plant health.