Are You Guilty of These Common Flower and Plant Care Mistakes?

There are few hobbies more rewarding than tending to flowers and plants. Watching your greenery blossom — so to speak! — is incredibly satisfying. Providing regular moisture, light, and attention is all you need to do to ensure your plant life thrives.

For some people, all of this comes second nature. Those born with green thumbs never have to think twice about bringing their gardening dreams to life! But in reality, anyone can become an expert in this fine art form. It takes a little bit of time and effort, sure, but once you reach the point where your flowers and plants look their best, you’ll never want to turn back.

Between novices and experts alike, however, no one is perfect — and that means the occasional error may occur. In the garden world, it’s all too common for so-called “plant parents” to make mistakes from time to time. Hey, you’re only human, and you’re ultimately just trying to do what’s right for your greenery. Ask yourself if you’re guilty of any of these all-too-common blunders.

1. You’re Watering Them a Little Too Much

Yes, plants and flowers definitely love water — but there is such a thing as oversaturation, too. It’s an irony that would probably surprise most new plant owners, but it’s one you should learn early on so your greenery has the best chance at a happy and vibrant life. Perhaps the most important point to keep in mind is that not every plant requires an abundant amount of water. Some require very little, and others need more. It’s all about doing your research, then finding the right balance so the soil doesn’t get too soppy and soggy.

Did you know, for example, that succulents perform best in dry soil? Replicating their natural desert environment is key to their survival. Too much water can actually do far more harm than good for these attractive plants. By contrast, a tropical plant is likely to need far more water. You can also gain a fairly decent idea of the plant’s moisture needs by feeling its leaves. Thin, papery leaves are at much greater risk of drying out prematurely, and those are the ones that need some serious attention. When you buy your plant, pay special attention to its care instructions so you can give it exactly what it needs — and nothing more!

2. You’re Moving Them All Over the Place

It’s great to introduce plants and flowers to different areas of your home. Let’s face it: any room can benefit from such fresh greenery, and there’s nothing like a little color to liven things up and bring some much-needed energy into more understated spaces. But the idea is to procure different plants for each of these areas instead of just moving around the same few plants from one spot to another. While that might give your home the green boost you crave, it doesn’t provide a stable living environment for your plants to really perform their best.

The goal instead? Stick with a single spot for your plants. It’s more than appropriate to fill your home with plants and flowers, provided the rooms offer adequate lighting conditions. By moving plants around, however, you disrupt everything from its need for consistent illumination to its temperature. Use this as an excuse to invest in a variety of different plants to bring new energy to every area of your home. It’s so worth it.

3. You’re Giving Them Too Much Light

All plants and flowers require light. But how much is too much? Just as overwatering is a common concern, so too is over-sunning. Yes, there’s definitely such a thing as too much illumination where your greenery is concerned. Too much direct light can have an adverse effect and cause plants to dry out, wilt, and eventually kill them off. No one wants that! So your role as a responsible plant parent is to determine the right conditions for their health and well-being.

The key here is to read up on your plants before you place them anywhere. What level of lighting does it require, and for how many hours a day? Is the room equipped to provide that to the arrangement? Those are big questions you need to ask before you settle on the right space. As for signs of a problem, you can usually tell there’s too much light if the plant starts to lose its luster and integrity. Look for things like curling or falling leaves, “crunchy” edges, and brown and yellow spots. The leaves may also take on a yellowish overall tinge if they receive too much light.

4. You’re Not Paying Attention to Dust

No one wants to imagine their beautiful plants and flowers covered in a coating of dust. But if they’re relegated to a corner somewhere, it’s entirely possible for them to fall victim to the dreaded cover that takes away from their beauty. Sometimes you can’t even tell that there’s any dust present without actually performing a touch test. It only takes a moment to run a finger over a leaf. You’ll see the dust mark right away.

What’s the harm in a little dust? It’s generally not good for the plant’s growth cycle. When the leaves are covered, sunlight can’t efficiently penetrate them. The dust can also create a barrier between the pores and the air, which in turn causes the plant to suffocate. This shouldn’t be a big issue if you care for your plants regularly, but if you go out of town for a few weeks or forget to water them during a busy period, you might notice that they look a little worse for wear. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to resolve the issue by misting them lightly with lukewarm water. If the dust is limited to just a couple of spots or the leaves are too delicate, you can use a damp cloth to wipe them down instead.

Don’t feel bad if you realize you’ve committed one or two of these missteps in the past. Anyone, from beginners to the most experienced plant nurturers, can fall into the trap. Part of the joys of being a productive plant parent is learning new things on a consistent basis. Consider these little follies experiences that contribute to the long-term well-being and beauty of your plants and flowers.