From overwatering to under-fertilizing, new plant parents often face many challenges when caring for their green friends. Here are six of the most common mistakes people make with their indoor plants:

1. Overwatering

The most important thing to learn as a plant owner is watering. It can be very tempting to simply assume that if some water is good, then a lot of water must be better. However, the truth for most houseplant species is quite the opposite: every plant has its water preference, with some perfectly happy to get only an occasional sip or two every few months and others that might drink a gallon or more per week. To ensure you're watering your plants correctly, research how much water said species requires. Relying on rainfall alone often doesn’t provide new plants with the consistent moisture they need to build strong roots.

2. Not Knowing Your Plant

One of the best tips we can give plant parents is to do some research every time they purchase a new green buddy. Knowing what kind of climate the houseplant originally came from is essential to take care of it properly. As far as watering goes, that varies with each different type of plant. 

Such as cacti and succulent plants love having dry soil because they're from the desert land. Learn more about Indoor Cactus care tips before you buy a cactus. More tropical plants thrive on moist soil and a more humid atmosphere, such as where they would originally grow in the rain forest.

Each plant has different needs for water frequency, soil type, and the amount of light it prefers. Temperature is relatively simple for most plants if a human cannot stand the chill, then it is likely too cold for an indoor plant to thrive. However, do remember that some plants love humidity and can thrive in a bathroom, while others prefer to be dry and sit beside a bright window to soak up the sunshine. Try to maintain humidity for your houseplants by installing a humidifier in your home.

3. Moving A Plant

Plants like having a home and tend to stay in it. Stability is their fuel; place your plants in forever homes. Every time you move a plant to a new location, it has to adapt to the newly experienced light levels and temperatures, and each "getting used period" counts for a pause in growth. If your plant thrives, it is because it is content with where it is. 

If a newly transplanted plant is not thriving or is dying, wait some weeks to see if the plant adjusts to its new environment before making any more changes. Move the plant only when you feel its present environment is not doing the trick. 

If the leaves of a plant are turning yellow, it might need more sunlight, and if the leaf tips are turning dry and crispy, it might need to be in a more humid environment. We have some tips from a plant parent on moving with houseplants so read them and keep your plants safe during the move!

4. Under-fertilizing

Plants do need fertilizer! It is a very crucial variable for the care of plants-the fertilizer provides the necessary nutrients needed to make them big and healthy. The periods when a house plant needs to be fertilized include active growing periods of spring and summer. Fertilizers ensure good growth of leaves, proper root systems, flowering, etc. 

If you notice that one of your houseplants is fighting to survive during the winter months, try using a plant fertilizer in the spring when you see new growth appear. Plant fertilizer and spring weather are usually the winning combination to turn a scrawny plant back into a fabulous plant.

5. Dirty Foliage

Among other neglected tasks of our plant care is the easy-to-miss dusting and cleaning of our plant's leaves. In nature, Mother Nature takes care of things when rainwater and blowing wind remove dirt and debris that clings to the leaves of the plant. In the house, we have to dust these dirt particles in our plant's leaves most gently and tenderly using a wet cloth or microfiber dusting gloves. It helps the plant to photosynthesize by improving its appearance and giving you a closer look at your plant to inspect early signs of insect infestations or other issues that might be going on.

How Do I Buy Plants from Eureka Farms?

Now licensed for a full-scale nursery with an extensive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the largest houseplant collection. If you want to enhance your curb appeal or turn your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms can guide you on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can rest assured that we will handle the shipment with the utmost care across the country so that when your plants reach you, they will be as fresh as new. These indoor plants require less upkeep, improve home air cleanliness, brighten moods, and provide essential touches of the natural world to the work-from-home office. Happy Planting!