Plant Care: 7 Mistakes That Are Quietly Killing Your Houseplants

You water regularly. You picked a spot with decent light. So why does your fiddle leaf fig look sad, or your pothos seem lackluster?

Here's the thing about plant care that nobody tells you upfront: most houseplants don't die from neglect. They die from too much attention, or the wrong kind of attention. After years of nursing struggling plants back to health (and yes, killing my fair share along the way), I've learned that successful plant care is less about following rigid rules and more about understanding what your plants are actually trying to tell you.

Let's talk about the most common plant care mistakes that might be happening in your home right now.

1. You're Watering on a Schedule Instead of Checking the Soil

I get it. "Water once a week" sounds so much easier than actually testing the soil. But here's the reality: your plant's water needs change based on the season, humidity levels, pot size, and even how much it's growing.

Stick your finger about two inches into the soil before you water. If it feels damp, wait another day or two. Most houseplants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The exceptions? Plants like ferns and calatheas that prefer consistently moist (not soggy) soil.

Pro tip: Your plant will tell you if you're overwatering. Yellow leaves, mushy stems, or a funky smell from the soil are all red flags.

2. You're Using the Wrong Pot or Ignoring Drainage

That gorgeous ceramic pot without drainage holes? It's a death trap for most plants. When water can't escape, roots sit in moisture and eventually rot. It's one of the fastest ways to kill an otherwise healthy plant.

Either drill drainage holes in your decorative pots or use the "pot within a pot" method where your plant sits in a plastic nursery pot inside the pretty one. After watering, always dump out excess water from the saucer or outer pot.

3. You're Not Adjusting Plant Care for the Seasons

Your plant's needs in January are completely different from its needs in July. During winter, most houseplants enter a semi-dormant state. They need less water, less fertilizer, and they're definitely not the time to repot.

In spring and summer, when plants are actively growing, that's when they're hungry for nutrients and can handle being watered more frequently. Adjust your plant care routine as the seasons change, and you'll see a massive difference in how your plants thrive.

4. You're Keeping Plants in the Wrong Light Conditions

"Low light tolerant" doesn't mean "no light." I've seen too many snake plants and pothos shoved in dark corners, barely surviving. While these plants won't die immediately in low light, they won't thrive either.

Most houseplants want bright, indirect light. That means near a window, but not in direct sun that can scorch leaves. If you've got a plant that's getting leggy (lots of space between leaves) or leaning dramatically toward the window, it's begging for more light.

On the flip side, if you notice brown, crispy patches on leaves, you might have too much direct sun. It's all about finding that sweet spot.

5. You're Fertilizing Too Much (or Not at All)

Think of fertilizer like vitamins for your plants. During the growing season (spring and summer), most houseplants benefit from being fed every 2-4 weeks. But more is not better. Too much fertilizer causes brown leaf tips, burnt roots, and a crusty buildup on the soil.

In fall and winter, cut back or stop fertilizing entirely. Your plant isn't growing much during these months, so it doesn't need the extra nutrients.

Always dilute liquid fertilizer to half the recommended strength. It's easier to add more than to fix fertilizer burn.

6. You're Ignoring Humidity

Most popular houseplants come from tropical environments where humidity is high. Your heated home in winter or air-conditioned space in summer? That's basically a desert to them.

If you notice brown, crispy leaf edges (especially on calatheas, ferns, or prayer plants), low humidity is likely the culprit. You don't need to buy a fancy humidifier, though they help. Grouping plants together, placing them on pebble trays with water, or even just moving them to a bathroom can make a difference.

7. You're Repotting Too Often (or Not Enough)

Here's a plant care truth bomb: most plants don't need to be repotted every year. In fact, many plants actually prefer being slightly rootbound.

Only repot when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of drainage holes. Spring is the best time for repotting, when plants are gearing up for their active growing season.

When you do repot, only go up one pot size (about 2 inches larger in diameter). A pot that's too big holds excess moisture and can lead to root rot.

The Bottom Line on Plant Care

Good plant care isn't about perfection. It's about observation. Your plants are constantly communicating through their leaves, their growth patterns, and their overall vibe. The more you pay attention, the easier it becomes to give them exactly what they need.

Start by fixing one or two of these common mistakes, and I promise you'll see your plants perk up. Sometimes the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.

Ready to take your plant care to the next level? Visit homeplantwellness.com for personalized plant care guides, expert troubleshooting advice, and a supportive community of plant lovers who've been exactly where you are. Because every plant parent deserves thriving, happy houseplants.