Are you looking for plant tips to keep your houseplants alive? You've come to the right place.
I grew up with a mother who knows a lot about indoor and outdoor plants and flowers. She has an amazing green thumb, and I'm sharing her top plant tips below!
I always go to her for houseplant advice; whatever she tells me to do ALWAYS saves my plants and lets them thrive. (Seriously, how does she do that?)
Read on for more plant tips to help you grow a green thumb, too!
And be sure to download my free plant care tracker to help you never kill a plant again.
NINE Plant Tips TO HELP YOU STOP KILLING YOUR HOUSEPLANTS
STICK TO A SCHEDULE
Plants are like children; they need a routine. Most people water their plants whenever they randomly might remember to do so.
Water each plant on a schedule, usually once a week for most houseplants, but depending on the type of plant, it might be less frequent.
USE A WATER METER TO CHECK THE SOIL
Don't water a wet plant!
You can determine the exact watering schedule (mentioned above) based on how long it takes until the soil dries.
Use this soil moisture meter tool to check the dryness of the soil. Only water your plant if it shows that the soil is dry.
You don't have to use the meter forever; use it until you learn how long it takes the plant to get thirsty again.
LISTEN TO WHAT THE LEAVES ARE TELLING YOU
Watch the leaves; do they look dry, wrinkled, and droopy?
If they do, water before your usual schedule. Sometimes, plants need more water than usual because of temperature, growth patterns, humidity levels, or other reasons.
Don't over or underwater
Plants like water on a schedule, and they also like about the same amount of water each time.
Pay attention to how much water you give each plant, and be consistent every time you water them. Try using the same jug or watering can every time to stay more consistent.
Find the RighT LIGHT
People often try a plant in only one spot and are surprised if it dies.
Pay attention to if your plants need direct light or indirect light. Light is such an essential factor in the plant's health and happiness!
Finding the right light might take moving your plant around to locate the best spot. You will usually see a positive or negative change in the leaves within two or three days.
Keep optimal room temperatures
It would be best if you kept an optimal temperature in the room where a plant lives. You don't want it to be too hot or too cold.
Keep temperature regulation in mind, especially if you go out of town during extreme heat in the summer or freezing temperatures during the winter.
You might return home to a dead plant if you don't condition the air while you're gone.
Wipe down the leaves to remove dust
Plants don't like dust on their leaves; dust blocks the sunlight. Letting dust accumulate on leaves is equivalent to allowing a plant to live in a dim corner.
Be sure to dust your houseplants like you do the rest of your home. Use a damp cloth to wipe down each leaf each time you water.
Prune THE DEAD LEAVES IMMEDIATELY
Most people don't know that removing dried-up dead leaves is best for the plant.
Clip or tear off brown dead leaves as soon as they show. Doing so will let the plant focus all its energy on new growth.
It also makes the plant look much more happy and healthy.
When in doubt, add some potting soil
If you have a plant failing despite following all the above tips, add some fresh soil to the pot.
Often, the plant needs more minerals and nutrients than potted soil can sustain.
Keep a bag of potting soil on hand and sprinkle generously on top.
Fresh soil will help a distressed plant in a matter of days.
Remember to check out my free plant care tracker printable. It's the perfect plant-friendly tool to leave with spouses, roommates, or house-sitters for plant care instruction.
I hope my mother's nine tips help you grow many happy and healthy plants!
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