7 Common Houseplant Mistakes to avoid

Most houseplants are relatively easy to grow, so it can be frustrating when your arrowhead plant or Christmas cactus topples over. Don't feel bad if your plant doesn't thrive; we've all made houseplant growing mistakes from time to time. You probably didn't pay enough attention to the plant's needs or killed it with kindness. Here are some suggestions for avoiding problems with houseplants:

1. Overfertilizing
Don't fertilize houseplants too often. Once a month with a diluted liquid fertilizer is sufficient. Remember, don't fertilize a plant to make it grow; fertilize it because it is growing.

2. Overwatering

Underwater rather than overwater. More plants are killed by overwatering than by anything else. A dry surface is a poor test of water needs because room air dries out the surface quickly.

3. Poor lighting

Proper lighting is difficult to achieve in townhouses and apartments. The best way to overcome this is to grow most plants under the new full spectrum fluorescent lights. Flowering houseplants need light, so reserve sunlit windows for them. Deciduous plants prefer indirect light without sun. Few can do well in dark hallways.

4. Incorrect humidity

Proper humidity is very important. Most homes have too little humidity in the winter because radiators and heaters dry out the air. Humidity between 50 and 60 percent is best for most plants.

5. Too much heat

Most homes are warmer than the recommended temperature for houseplants. A cool room is preferable to a warm room for plant growth. Plants need air circulation even in cold weather, but avoid cold drafts or air from central heaters blowing directly on plants.
Remember that plants are not like animals or humans. They cannot refuse the food they are given, nor can they move to a more favorable location.

6. Skipping Isolation for a new plant

Remember to place a new potted plant somewhere on its own for about a week before putting it with your other plants. This way you can make sure it is free of insects or disease without risking infecting your other plants.

7. Wick watering

While on vacation, provide your larger potted plants with wicks that run from the pot to a water supply in a coffee can with a plastic lid. Poke a hole in the lid and thread the wick through. The lid reduces evaporation, so the water supply lasts longer.