Your Houseplants Are Dying Because You’re Breaking These 3 Rules
Besides cleaning the air, houseplants bring beauty and texture to any room. From elegant jade plants to tall and waxy ZZ plants, and sophisticated blooming orchids, there is truly a plant to fit any space and style.
The tricky part is that all plants require different amounts of water to thrive. Some plants, such as peace lilies and elephant ears, like water and a high-humidity environment, while others, like cacti, pothos, and ponytail palms, are very drought-tolerant.
So how do you know when to water and how much to water?
There is no easy answer to this question, and often plants will look the same when they’re in distress from both overwatering and underwatering—wilted and yellowing leaves and browning edges. But there are a few simple rules you can follow that will help you keep your plants alive.
If in doubt, don’t water. When houseplants are overwatered, the roots can rot, and fungus can grow in the soil, which is a surefire way to kill the plant. And since there is no way to come back from rotted roots, it’s better to underwater versus overwater.
Make sure your plant drains well. A well-draining potted plant will help avoid root rot, allow airflow around the roots, and prevent the soil from becoming compacted. Always plant in a pot that has drainage holes. You can also add a coarse material, such as perlite or pumice, to the soil, which will help the water flow through it more easily.
Don’t water on a schedule. It’s best to check the soil of each plant before watering. Stick a finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels wet, don’t water; if it’s dry, give it a little drink! Simple as that.
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