Don’t believe everything you hear or read about plants. These common houseplant myths will save you the trouble of making mistakes. Plus, tips on how to properly care for your houseplants!
As houseplants are getting more and more popular, so are the myths about them. Maybe you heard it from your great aunt or maybe you read it somewhere online, but misinformation about plants are everywhere, and believe it or not, people believe in these houseplant myths like the most common houseplant myth is you need a green thumb to keep a plant alive.
Today, we’ll be sharing the most common houseplant myths and plant care tips to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Keep in mind that growing indoor plants is pretty easy as long as you do proper research and you follow the basic rules.
Myth: If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb, You Can’t Keep Plants Alive
Do you really need to have a green thumb, aka some kind of special power, to keep your blooms and houseplants happy and healthy? The answer is no. Keeping houseplants happy and healthy is not something you’re born with, but it’s about constant research that will help you properly care for your houseplants. Learning about all the needs of your plant will help them grow and thrive for a long time.
Omysa Plant Care Tip: If you’re a beginner, we suggest that you start with something easy like Philodendron or Pothos.
RELATED: The Truth Behind the Myth of the Green Thumb
Myth: Indoor Plants Go Dormant in Winter
One of the popular houseplant myths is plants go dormant during winter, which is not true. Plants don’t go dormant during winter. People misapprehend it for dormancy because houseplants cannot replicate the same growing conditions during this season. For example, a tropical houseplant that loves warm and humid conditions will still grow during the cold season, but much slower since the air is dry and there’s not much sunlight.
Myth: Indoor Plants Need a Lot of Direct Sunlight
The sunlight levels depend on your houseplant’s needs. Some plants thrive in full sun, others in bright indirect light. Then some plants thrive in partial shade and some direct light. Do your research first and avoid leaving your plant under direct sunlight as this can cause leaf burn or sunburn.
RELATED: North, South, East, or West? Best Indoor Plants for Each Window
Myth: Indoor Plants Need Fertilizers for Growing
One of the houseplant myths is you need to fertilize your plant for it to grow. Fertilizer is additional food or nutrients for your houseplants. It’s not the main reason why your plants are growing. Your plants need sunlight, water, and fresh air to properly grow. You only speed up your plant’s growth with fertilizer.
RELATED: Beginner’s Guide on How to Fertilize Your Plants
Myth: Plants Grow Bigger in Bigger Pots
Your houseplant will do well in a pot that’s perfect for its size. A bigger pot requires more soil and more water, which can result to root rot. It’s important to choose a planter that’s at least comparable to the size of the plant. Make sure it has proper drainage.
RELATED: 5 Tips on How to Choose the Right Planter
Myth: Yellow Leaves Mean Overwatering
There are lots of reasons why your houseplants have yellow leaves. It could be inadequate light, too little water, too much fertilizer, or poor soil quality.
RELATED: How to Fix These 6 Common Houseplant Problems
Myth: You Should Water Your Houseplants Constantly
One of the most common houseplant myths is constant watering. A lot of beginners and new plant owners believed in this myth. You can save a plant that has been slightly underwatered, but you can never save a plant that’s been overwatered. A rule of thumb, water when the plant’s soil is completely dry. When you water your plants, make sure to throw excess water to avoid root rot.
RELATED: Beginner’s Guide on How to Water Houseplants Correctly
Myth: You Should Water Your Plants When They’re Wilting
Before you jump to the conclusion that your plant is thirsty, do a quick soil check by sticking your finger to the soil. If it is dry, then it’s time to water your plants. However, if the soil is still moist, then there might be another reason why your plant’s leaves are wilting, such as improper sunlight or pest problems.
RELATED: 7 Most Common Houseplant Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
Keep things simple. Before you bring home a new plant, make sure to research first so that you have the basic knowledge about plants. It will save you money and time from believing in these houseplant myths. You can also ask a certified nursery professional or horticulturist if you have questions about plants since they have broad experience and knowledge about plants.
Check out our Plant Care blog to learn more about different houseplants and tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
Whatever houseplant you choose to transform your home into a lively oasis, you’ll definitely need a stylish planter to display your plant baby in. No matter what your style, there’s an Omysa planter that will be perfect with your garden and home’s décor. From ceramics to fiberstone, check out Omysa’s Shop and add it to your cart!
