13 Tips To Never Let Your Houseplants Die

For many, keeping houseplants alive and thriving can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we bring you 13 tips to never let your houseplants die, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy.

To further expand your knowledge, you might want to check out our post on 12 things I wish everyone knew before using orchids as house plants or explore 15 indoor plants that are easy to maintain.

Takeaways
Proper watering is essential for keeping indoor plants alive and healthy.
The type and amount of light your plants receive is crucial for their growth and well-being.
Choosing the right soil and fertilizer can help your indoor plants thrive.
Pests and diseases can be a challenge for indoor plants, but there are ways to prevent and treat them.
Understanding the specific needs of your plants and providing them with the right care can help them live longer and look their best.

Dive in and discover the secrets to flourishing houseplants that will transform your living space into an oasis.

Table of Contents

Don’t Crowd Your Plants

Crowding plants can cause them to not get enough light, water or airflow. Plants need space to grow, so give your plants room to breathe. If you’re going to crowd plants together in a pot, consider getting smaller pots and moving them around as they grow.

Pick A Light Spot

You’ve probably heard that plants need sunlight to grow. But how much light should you give your houseplants? It depends on the type of plant you’re growing, but generally speaking, the more light it needs the closer you’ll want to keep it to an open window.

If a plant is too far from a window and doesn’t get enough sunlight, its leaves will turn yellow and die off (or even fade away completely). If this happens, adjust its position so that it’s closer to where there’s natural light coming in through your windows!

If your plant only needs low levels of light like succulents then don’t worry about moving them into direct sunlight.

In fact, these plants are often happiest when they get minimal amounts of natural light since they can survive with little water or nutrients compared with other types of flora like roses or ferns which require lots more love in order survive inside our homes without drying out quickly due primarily because most people don’t have green thumbs.

“Are you a beginner looking to add some greenery to your home? Our article on 18 great indoor plants for beginners is a great place to start. From low-maintenance succulents to easy-to-grow spider plants, we’ve got you covered with all the best options for new plant parents.”

Do A Soil Check

Before you try to revive a wilted houseplant, check the soil. If it’s wet, let it dry out a little before watering this will help prevent overwatering and root rot. If the plant is especially thirsty, add some water right away (but don’t drown it!).

If the plant is already dry and you’re sure that you haven’t forgotten to water it for a few days, check to see if there are any leaves left on top of the soil.

If there aren’t any leaves left or if they are discolored or falling off from lack of moisture, this could indicate that your houseplant has root rot; in this case, start by running your finger along each stem to see if it’s soft instead of firm with turgor pressure if so, give your plants some serious attention!

Give Them Some Space To Breathe

One of the most important things you can do for your plants is to give them enough space to grow. While it may be tempting to cram as many plants together in your home, remember that they need room to breathe.

If a plant is crowded, it won’t be able to get enough oxygen and will start to die. When deciding where to place your plants, make sure that they have plenty of room around them so that their leaves don’t overlap with those of other plants.

If there isn’t enough room between two or more stalks, consider moving one or both out of the way until they’ve grown larger than the others.

“Breathing in fresh air is essential for good health, but it can be difficult to achieve indoors. Luckily, there are ways to make your indoor air feel fresher. Check out our article on 13 ways to make indoor air feel fresher for tips on how to improve the air quality in your home.”

Don’t Place Your Plants Over An Outlet Or Directly Above Any Heat Sources

Don’t place your plants over an outlet or directly above any heat sources, such as radiators, fireplaces and woodstoves.

They need to be kept away from these too. If you have a heater in the room where you keep your plants, keep it at least six feet away.

Plants should be placed on a table or shelf that is free of clutter and other objects that could get knocked over when you reach for something else on the shelf.

Don’t Put The Plants Directly On Top Of The Radiator

Not many people think to put their houseplants directly on top of the radiator, but it’s something that many people do.

They want them close to heat sources, because they think that will help them grow faster. This is not true! Plant experts are very clear: plants need air circulation and they don’t like being too close to a heat source. So keep your plants away from radiators if you can help it!

Keep Them Out Of Direct Sunlight When They’re Young

When you bring your new plant home, it’s important you don’t put it directly in front of a window or under the kitchen lights. While this may seem obvious (and is actually good advice for most plants), this is especially true if your houseplant is still very young.

While older houseplants are used to getting their light from windows and lamps, young ones aren’t accustomed yet and can get burned or damaged by too much direct sunlight. Instead, place your plant in some indirect sunlight and give it time to adjust before moving it somewhere that gets more direct sun.

“Plants can do more than just beautify your home – they can also boost productivity and purify the air you breathe. Take a look at our article on 13 plants that will boost productivity and purify the air in your home to learn about some of the best plants for creating a healthier, more productive living space.”

Try To Keep The Temperature In Your Home On A Constant Schedule

The temperature of your home can have a major impact on the health of your plants. If you’re not sure what the optimal range is, you can use a thermometer to measure it.

The best temperature for most houseplants ranges from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, although there are exceptions based on the type and variety of plant.

In general, higher temperatures are better during summer months when homes are hotter than outside temperatures due to air conditioning systems, while lower temperatures (around 55 degrees) tend to be better in winter months when windows may be closed more often.

No Indoor Ferns Near Fireplaces And Woodstoves

Because of the heat, smoke and direct sunlight they get when near a fireplace or woodstove, ferns are the most likely plant to die due to exposure.

If you must have them there, make sure they’re in a spot where they won’t be hit directly by any flame or coals and keep them away from curtains so they don’t catch on fire.

Keep Them From Getting Too Dry Or Too Wet

You can use a humidity gauge to measure the amount of moisture in your home. If your houseplants are looking wilty and limp, you may need to increase the humidity of their environment.

This can be done by simply placing a saucer under their pot and adding water until it’s about two inches deep. If that doesn’t do the trick, try adding a bowl of water among them or misting them with a spray bottle filled with water twice per day.

If your home is already on the dry side or if you notice any browning or dark spots on leaves it’s time to increase airflow around your plants’ roots so they get more moisture from evaporation than they would otherwise receive through their leaves alone (which only allows for transpiration).

You can do this by using an oscillating fan placed above or below your plant stand, but be sure not to point it directly at any one plant; instead aim it at all of them equally so as not to damage any one individual leaf more than another!

“Fertilizing your potted plants is an essential part of keeping them healthy and thriving, but it can be tricky to know when and how to do it. Our article on how often do you need to fertilize potted plants explained provides all the information you need to keep your plants fertilized and happy.”

Trim Away Dead Growth As Soon As You See It

Dead leaves can spread disease to other plants, clog your drain, rot and smell bad, or attract pests. It’s best to trim them away as soon as you see them.

Another reason dead leaf trimming is important: it lets you see where there might be a problem with the plant’s roots! Many houseplant diseases start at the root level and if you don’t know how far down they’ve spread, you won’t be able to treat them effectively once they’re diagnosed.

Get Rid Of Pests Immediately (And Don’t Freak Out)

If you do find pests, don’t panic. Try to kill them using organic methods first.

Don’t use chemicals to remove pests from your houseplants.

Don’t put the plant outside until you are sure the problem is gone. If they are still a problem when you bring them back inside, they may infect other plants too!

Don’t put your houseplant in the freezer to kill any pests that might be living in it… just imagine how cold those leaves would get! And what about all of its nutrients?

That’s not going to help anything at all! You could end up with a dead plant after this not good news for anyone involved (including yourself).

Instead make sure that if there are any bugs or insects present on or around your plant then get rid of them as soon as possible by manually removing them from their home and disposing accordingly (i.e., throw away into trash).

Once this is done then try placing some soapy water onto its surface where ever there were any signs of infestation such as damage caused by chewing etcetera..

Don’t Accidentally Bump Into Plants Or Move Them Around Too Much

Plants are sensitive little things and will often react negatively if they’re moved from one location to another without proper care.

When you move a plant, it takes time for the roots to get used to their new environment and for the leaves to adjust as well. If your houseplants are frequently being moved around, this can have an adverse impact on their health and may even kill them.

The same goes for moving plants that have been in one place for awhile if you’ve put a lot of work into getting a plant just right where it is, don’t be afraid to leave it there!

“Indoor plants can be finicky and prone to all kinds of problems, but don’t despair – there are ways to save your struggling plant. Head over to our article on how do I save my indoor plant pro tips for expert advice on rescuing your wilting or damaged houseplants.”

Conclusion

You can keep your plants alive for a long time if you know what you’re doing. It’s not rocket science, but you do need to pay attention to the little details.

If your plant is looking a little droopy, try some of these tips. They worked for me and I’m sure they’ll help your houseplants too!

FAQs

How often should I water my indoor plants?

The watering needs of indoor plants vary depending on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the environment. As a general rule, it’s best to water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to also take into account factors such as humidity and temperature, as these can affect the frequency of watering.

What’s the best way to fertilize indoor plants?

Fertilizing your indoor plants can help promote growth and keep them healthy. The best way to fertilize your plants is to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, applied according to the instructions on the package. It’s important not to over-fertilize, as this can damage your plants.

How do I know if my indoor plants are getting enough light?

Most indoor plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. Signs that your plants may not be getting enough light include yellowing leaves, spindly growth, and slow growth. If you’re unsure whether your plants are getting enough light, try moving them to a brighter location or supplementing with artificial light.

Can I grow plants in low-light conditions?

Yes, there are many indoor plants that can thrive in low-light conditions, such as pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants. It’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to the level of light in your home, as trying to grow high-light plants in low-light conditions can lead to poor growth and health.

What should I do if my indoor plants are infested with pests?

Indoor plants can be prone to a variety of pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. If you notice signs of infestation, such as webs or small insects on your plants, it’s important to act quickly. Try wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or using natural pest control methods such as neem oil.

Hellen James

For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.