General Houseplant Care Tips

1. Know Your Plant

• Identify your plant species so you can understand its specific needs.
• Check requirements like light, water, humidity, and temperature.

2. Light Matters

• Place plants near bright, indirect sunlight unless they’re shade-loving (like snake plants or ZZ plants).
• Rotate plants every few weeks so they grow evenly.

3. Don’t Overwater

• Biggest mistake: too much water.
• Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering most plants.
• Use pots with drainage holes and empty saucers after watering.

4. Use the Right Soil

• Use well-draining potting mix. For example:
• Cacti/succulents: sandy soil.
• Aroids (monstera, pothos): mix with perlite or orchid bark.

5. Humidity Boost

• Many tropical houseplants prefer 50–60% humidity.
• Tricks:
• Group plants together.
• Use a humidity tray or a small humidifier.
• Mist occasionally (not too much).

6. Feed Regularly

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring to early fall).
• Avoid over-fertilizing; once a month is often enough.

7. Prune and Clean

• Remove dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth.
• Wipe dust off leaves to help them absorb more light.

8. Watch for Pests

• Common pests: spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs.
• Treat with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or isolate and rinse the plant.

9. Repot When Necessary

• Repot every 1–2 years or when roots start growing out the drainage holes.
• Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

10. Don’t Panic Over Drooping

• Drooping doesn’t always mean death—check soil moisture, recent changes in light, or temperature fluctuations.