Everything I learned about not killing plants I learned from my mother. Below, I’m sharing her top plant tips!

9 Easy Plant Tips I Learned from My Mother’s Green Thumb

WRITTEN BY:

SHARE

girl with dog in front of plants
girl with dog in front of plants

Plants

SARAH PETERSON

MORE about me

Being a work-from-home mama has required me to become a next-level planner and productivity nerd. I share digital and printable resources custom-designed to run my life, hoping they will help you run your life, too.

free digital planners

With Hyperlinks, Habits, Goals, & Bujo

Digital Planner for iPad 

Get Creative and Stay Inspired

Digital Bullet Journal

To Remember More and Forget Less

Digital Memory Planner

LOVING

What I'm 

Right Now

HEY, I'M SARAH!

ochid iPad case with pencil holder

Bandolier crossbody phone case + wallet 

POP Keys Mechanical Wireless Keyboard

magnetic rotating  iPad stand

free printables

Super Cute Daily Planner

Weekly Planner Printable

Printable Planner Stickers

Printable Daily Planner

Wall Art Printable

Brain Dump Printable

With Grid Paper, Index, and Hyperlinked Tabs

Digital Notebook

Monthly View with Hyperlinks

Digital Calendar

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

plant tips
plants

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. 

plants

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.

plant care tracker printable

I hope my mother's nine tips help you grow many happy and healthy plants!


MORE POSTS YOU'LL LOVE

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Please read full disclosure here.

LAST UPDATED:

Filed in:

October 10, 2023

Downloaded over 100,000 times! GET ACCESS NOW!

Free PrintableS

READ THE LATEST