Advice for Those Struggling to Keep Plants Alive
Best of Home & Garden
Advice for Those Struggling to Keep Plants Alive
Struggling to keep your plants alive can be frustrating, but understanding where things go wrong can make all the difference. We reached out to the experts, including a Founder & CEO | GreenAce Lawn Care & Turf Pro and a Business Owner, to gather their top advice. The first insight starts with the simple yet crucial tip of checking soil moisture before watering, while the final insight emphasizes avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage. In total, there are fifteen expert insights to help you become a more confident and successful plant parent.
- Check Soil Moisture Before Watering
- Treat Each Plant Individually
- Research Plant Needs Before Buying
- Understand Plant Water And Light Needs
- Follow Plant-Specific Watering Instructions
- Pay Attention To Light Conditions
- Focus On Specific Plant Needs
- Learn Specific Care Requirements
- Observe And Respond To Plant Needs
- Start With Low-Maintenance Varieties
- Water Plants Properly
- Avoid Overwatering And Ensure Drainage
- Water Plants Deeply And Occasionally
- Ensure Proper Light And Watering
- Avoid Overwatering And Ensure Drainage
Check Soil Moisture Before Watering
The most common plant-killing mistake is overwatering. People often water on a fixed schedule rather than checking soil moisture first. Instead, stick your finger an inch into the soil - only water if it feels dry at that depth. For indoor plants, ensure proper drainage and empty saucer plates after watering to prevent root rot.
This moisture checking method works for most houseplants except for a few like orchids or succulents that need specialized care. During my years managing plant nurseries, I saw overwatering damage more plants than underwatering, since roots need oxygen as much as water to thrive.
Treat Each Plant Individually
Listen to Your Plants
If you're having trouble keeping your plants alive, my advice is simple: start with their needs. Each plant is different, and the biggest mistake I see people making is treating every plant the same - watering too much or too little or assuming they all like direct sunlight.
One quick tip: Check the soil before watering. Insert your finger about an inch deep. If it's still damp, wait. Killing plants probably comes down to overwatering more than anything else. It's easy to overwater them because you might feel like they require constant hydration, but most plants actually prefer drying out between waterings.
Another consideration is placement. Some plants (like succulents) love bright, indirect sunlight, while others (like ferns) thrive in shade. Forcing the wrong plant into the wrong place is a perfect recipe for disappointment.
Start with hardy plants, such as pothos or snake plants. They're forgiving and give you time to learn. Note their responses - wilting leaves, yellowing, or stunted growth are clues. Once you get their rhythm, you just take care of them. It's about observation, patience, and course-correcting as you go. Plants are more adaptable than you realize - you just need to meet them halfway.
Research Plant Needs Before Buying
One piece of advice I would give to someone struggling to keep their plants alive is to thoroughly research the specific plants they are interested in before bringing them home. Understanding their needs—such as soil type, temperature, light levels, and potential toxicity to pets (for example, lilies are extremely toxic to cats)—is key to success.
Choose plants that match your lifestyle and the time you can dedicate to their care. A common mistake people make is selecting plants that require more maintenance than they are prepared for. For instance, bulb plants are generally low-maintenance, whereas hydrangeas can be demanding due to their water needs, susceptibility to pests, and challenges with transplantation.
Another frequent mistake is improper watering—overwatering and underwatering are among the most common errors. Overwatering deprives roots of oxygen, causing rot, while underwatering can dry out and kill the plant. A helpful tip is to check the soil regularly: if it's hard and compacted, the plant likely needs water, but if it forms a loose ball when squeezed, the moisture level is just right. Setting up reminders on your phone to check your plants every couple of days can help you stay consistent with their care. Over time, you will develop a better sense of what each plant needs.
Understand Plant Water And Light Needs
One piece of advice I would give to someone struggling to keep their plants alive is to focus on understanding their specific needs, especially water and light requirements. A common mistake I often see is overwatering. Many people assume that more water equals healthier plants, but in reality, most plants suffer more from overwatering than underwatering. Roots need oxygen to thrive, and when the soil is constantly saturated, it prevents proper airflow, leading to root rot. Observing the soil and ensuring it has time to dry out between watering is crucial. Additionally, knowing the type of plant you are caring for, whether it is a shade-loving fern or a sun-craving succulent, can make all the difference.
One customer called us in frustration because their backyard oak tree, a focal point of their landscaping, was showing signs of severe stress, yellowing leaves, thinning branches, and slow growth. With my background as a certified arborist and TRAQ certified professional, I quickly diagnosed the issue as poor soil drainage causing waterlogged roots. We implemented a soil aeration treatment and adjusted their irrigation system to ensure proper water distribution. Within a season, the tree began to recover with lush new growth and improved vigor. This situation underscores how understanding plants' needs and using tailored solutions can turn around even the most concerning situations.
Follow Plant-Specific Watering Instructions
More often than not, when someone cannot keep plants alive, it's from overwatering. Long before I was in landscaping, I was given a baby aloe plant, and I thought I needed to keep the potting mix moist to get the plant to root. Well, aloe doesn't grow roots the way that we think, and I killed the plant.
So, if you're killing plants, research the plant and follow the watering instructions carefully. Make sure that your soil drains well.
Second to overwatering is underwatering. People forget that their plants exist until it's too late. However, this is a better problem than overwatering. A withering plant can often be brought back to life by giving it a drink.
Pay Attention To Light Conditions
The Key to Keeping Your Indoor Plants Alive with Proper Lighting
One piece of advice I would give to anyone struggling to keep their plants alive is to pay attention to the light conditions.
I learned this the hard way when I first started growing indoor plants. I placed a beautiful fern in a spot that seemed sunny but was actually too shaded, and it started to wither.
Over time, I realized that each plant has specific light requirements-some thrive in direct sunlight, while others prefer indirect light. The biggest mistake I see people make is ignoring this factor and placing plants in areas where they don't get the right kind of light.
Now, I make sure to research each plant's needs and position them accordingly. This simple adjustment has made a huge difference in the health of my plants, and I've seen them flourish with the right light.
Focus On Specific Plant Needs
Our advice is to focus on understanding the specific needs of your plants-light, water, and soil type are key. A common mistake we see is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and invite pests like fungus gnats. Instead, water only when the soil is dry a few inches down, and ensure proper drainage. Healthy plants are less likely to attract pests, so starting with the basics goes a long way!
Learn Specific Care Requirements
One key piece of advice for someone struggling to keep their plants alive is to understand the specific care requirements of each plant. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make, often thinking their plants need more water than they actually do. It's important to research the type of plant, as some thrive with minimal water, while others require more frequent watering.
Additionally, proper drainage is crucial. Plants need well-draining pots to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. By learning to recognize the signs of stress in plants-like yellowing leaves or wilting-you can adjust care routines before it's too late. A little research and patience can go a long way in helping your plants thrive, turning your space into a healthy, vibrant environment.
Observe And Respond To Plant Needs
You gotta slow down and observe. Plants will tell you what they need if you take a moment to notice their condition-whether it's yellowing leaves from too much water or drooping from too little. The key is patience and learning to read the signs.
Taking care of plants isn't as hard as it sounds, but it does require some attention. Picking the right pot is more important than most people think. While you don't want to repot your plant right after you bring it home, it's a good idea to move it out of its plastic nursery pot after a few months. If you want your plant to grow bigger, go for a larger pot. But if you're happy with the size, just trim it back and keep it in a similar-sized pot.
Soil also plays a big role. Don't just grab dirt from the backyard-opt for a potting mix that has nutrients your plant will need. Fertilizing is also something you don't want to skip. Potted plants don't have the same resources as those in the ground, so adding extra nutrients will help keep them strong.
When it comes to watering, it's all about finding the balance. If you water too much, you risk drowning the plant, but too little and it'll dry out. The best way to know is to feel the soil. If it's still damp, hold off on watering. But if it's dry and crumbly, it's time to water. And, if you notice the leaves turning yellow or brown, that's a clear sign it needs a drink.
Plants need light, but too much of it can do more harm than good. Place your plant where it'll get some sunlight, but not too much, especially during the hotter months. Every plant is different, so it's worth checking what kind of light it thrives in. Take the time to figure out what each plant needs and you'll be rewarded with a thriving garden.
Start With Low-Maintenance Varieties
Keeping plants alive can be a challenge—believe me, I even kill my silk plants! The trick is to start with low-maintenance varieties like snake plants (mother-in-law's tongue) or pothos and get familiar with their needs. Always match plants to your home's light conditions—some thrive in bright spots, while others love the shadows. Proper watering is essential; let the soil dry out a bit before reaching for the watering can to avoid root rot. If your air is dry, boost humidity with a humidifier or by grouping plants together. Check for pests regularly and clean the leaves to keep your plants healthy and photosynthesizing efficiently. Use well-draining pots and quality topsoil and if all else fails, consult a local nursery or try a plant care app for extra guidance. Your local extension service can also provide helpful tips on soil additives. Remember, plant care is a journey of learning and patience—and sometimes a little humor—so don't give up!
Key points to consider:
Understand watering needs:
Check the soil before watering to ensure it's dry before adding more water; most plants prefer to be slightly dry between waterings to avoid root rot.
Light requirements:
Place plants in areas with appropriate light levels—some need bright indirect light while others thrive in low light conditions.
Humidity control:
If your environment is dry, consider using a humidifier or grouping plants together to increase humidity.
Pest monitoring:
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests like insects or mites and treat them promptly with appropriate methods.
Potting and soil:
Ensure your plants are in pots with adequate drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.
Cleaning leaves:
Dusting leaves regularly helps them absorb more light.
What to do if you're still having trouble:
Consult a local plant nursery: Ask for recommendations based on your lighting conditions and care capabilities.
Consider a plant care service:
If you have a large collection of plants, a professional plant care service can manage their maintenance if you have an abundance of plants and/or do not have the time.
Use plant care apps or reminders:
Download apps that can help you track watering schedules and remind you to check on your plants.
Water Plants Properly
For someone who cannot keep their plants alive, my main advice is that they should pay attention to how to water them properly. Overwatering is perhaps the most common mistake, which leads to root rot and other serious issues. It is important to understand how each species of plant responds to watering, as some are more tolerant of moist soil than others. To avoid overwatering, check the moisture level in the soil with your finger or a moisture meter, and water only when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Another common error is that one does not ensure good drainage. Ensure that your pots have drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix to avoid water collecting at the bottom. This method will ensure a better life for your plants to live instead of struggling. Being attentive to these areas in plant care will ensure an increase in the chances of maintaining healthy and vibrant plants.
Avoid Overwatering And Ensure Drainage
One piece of advice I'd give to plant parents is to really pay attention to their watering routine. It's super easy to overwater—plants can drown just like us! Make sure you let the top inch of the soil dry out before giving them another drink. A common mistake I see is placing plants in low-light spots, thinking they'll be fine, but most need a little sunshine to thrive!
Water Plants Deeply And Occasionally
Overwatering is a common mistake, especially with houseplants, and it's very stressful for them. Not having adequate drainage can also add insult to injury for these types of plants because the roots become water-logged and start to rot. More often than not, this will show in the foliage (leaves) first. They will start drooping down and get 'rot spots,' which are brown, and homeowners oftentimes think it's got a disease or a blight when it's actually caused by the roots being overly saturated and rotting. During the winter season, houseplants do not require as much watering as in the hot summer months. That is generally true as long as they are not kept near heaters.
Ensure Proper Light And Watering
Usually the problem comes down to watering. People are busy, and can water a new plant daily for two week, then get distracted during a heat wave and lose the plant. It is also fairly common for plants to suffer because they need deeper watering. This is especially true for trees. You need to occasionally give them a long slow soaking so that you can be sure that the entire root ball has been soaked. Tree bags can really help with this!
Avoid Overwatering And Ensure Drainage
The single most important advice I would give someone struggling to keep their plants alive is to make sure their plants receive the right amount of light based on their specific needs. Once you get the lighting right, watering and other care requirements are easier. Another common mistake people make is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. It's essential to check the soil moisture before watering, as many plants prefer to dry out between waterings. Additionally, avoid placing plants in areas with extreme temperature changes, as this can cause stress. Lastly, remember to regularly trim dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth and keep the plant healthy.
