Hey everyone! I'm really new to keeping houseplants and honestly, it's been super overwhelming. I've always had a bit of a black thumb, and after diving headfirst into plant parenting, I'm finding myself with a bunch of plants but no clue how to keep them alive. I just picked up "The New Plant Parent" by Darryl Cheng, hoping it'll help me understand better. But there are so many factors to consider for plant health, like light conditions, soil type, watering frequency, and I'm just getting lost in it all. For example, if a plant dies, I feel like I should know it's due to overwatering, but there are so many other things to consider. Can anyone give me some guidance on how to evaluate plant health and tackle this overwhelming feeling? Any encouragement or tips would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
For your plants to thrive, aim for bright, indirect light and water when the top of the soil feels dry. Make sure the pot drains well—don’t let it sit in water. Trust me, most plants do much better this way!
When a plant starts to decline, pay close attention to the symptoms. For example, yellow leaves often indicate overwatering, especially if the roots are mushy when you check them. It's also hard to give too much light indoors, so aim for as much brightness as possible! Don’t stress; everyone learns through trial and error. I suggest taking care of one plant at a time, researching that specific type, and setting it up in an environment that mimics where it grows naturally.
I totally get it; it can be super overwhelming! My advice is to start with just one plant and learn how to care for it before adding more. For example, I have a Pothos that I keep about 5 feet from a west-facing window where it gets indirect light, and I water it once a week. I check the soil by sticking my finger in it; if it’s dry, I water it. Also, snake plants are great for beginners! They prefer dry soil, so I water mine every other week and they thrive even in low light conditions. Good luck, and take it slow!
Glad to know you’re not giving up! Keep it up, and remember that plant care is a learning process.
Thanks for the tips! I know I overwhelmed myself, especially after a breakup. I’ll keep track of my plants’ care and learn from my mistakes. Glad to hear some of mine are doing well so far!