5 Ways You Might Be Harming Your Indoor Plants

If you're a beginner and you haven't thought about this, the odds are that you might be harming your plants without even realizing it. Once you learn better ways to look after them, your indoor garden will flourish quickly, and it won't fail.

1. Overwatering or underwatering

If you notice wilting leaves, slow leaf growth, leaf curl, faded colour and browning of leaf edges, it is a clear indication that your plant needs water. Check the topsoil a few centimeters in, and if the soil is dry, water your plant. Similarly, if you are overwatering your plant, the leaves will develop rotten patches, soft leaves, yellowing of leaves, rotten flowers and roots. You should avoid daily watering of your plant as the water can soak the roots for quite a while. Try to water your plant on alternate days or wait for the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

2. Excessive or inadequate light

If your plant receives inadequate light, it will lean towards the window in search of sunlight. The new plant growth will be small and pale. You’ll find that its flowers may not grow properly. Without sufficient light, your plant can easily collapse as the roots remain soggy and eventually rot. Place them in a location where they can have access to adequate indirect sunlight. Similarly, if your plant is getting excessive sunlight, it will cause wilting and curling down of the foliage. Also, the growth will be distorted and the stem or leaves can be sunburnt. Fortunately, most houseplants grow in a shaded area, and it's easy to place them properly in your home. Place them in a room where they can get light and move their position often.

3. Potting mix needs replacement

If you notice your houseplant is getting too droopy, tired, looks a bit too huge for their plant pots or the soil feels solid instead of being dry, it is time to replace the potting mix. Remove your plant from the container and start trimming off unhealthy leaves using clean secateurs. Take a big container and add a quality potting mix like vermiculite or perlite for placing your plant in its new nutrient-rich home.

4. Dirt on your plant

If your houseplant's leaves seem to lack shine, there may be the presence of small spider mites that can slow down your plant's growth. Take a moist sponge or paper towel to clean your plant's leaves thoroughly and consider it a routine cleaning regime. You can clean your houseplants by placing them under the shower.

5. Indoor heat

If you notice the fading of your plant's foliage, wilting leaves and brown edges, it suggests that the soil mix is too dry. The heat in your home can dry out the air and remove moisture from your houseplants. Air conditioning can also remove humidity ftperom your room and also make drafts that will traumatize your houseplants if these wind blasts occur regularly. Place your plant in an area where it can be safe from both hot and cool air. Your houseplant admires ambiance, not the direct blast of air. Keep your plant moderately moist by spraying with a mister to maintain the humidity levels. Also, never place your plant close to open windows that contract direct cool or hot air. In addition, try to avoid placing your plant in western sun-facing windows. Glass windows and doors can also capture heat, so protect your houseplant with a glaze or curtain on your windows.