With lavish flowers or wonderful decorative leaves, plants from all over the world transform our living spaces into evergreen oases of well-being. In an unsuitable location and treated with the wrong supply of water and nutrients, even robust specimens are only a shadow of their former self. This guide shows the 5 worst mistakes in caring for houseplants and gives useful tips.
Mistake 1: Incorrect watering
There are clear differences in the water supply of plants. Desert cacti are less likely to require additional moisture than thirsty philodendrons. So that you don't drown your most beautiful houseplants, take a look at the respective care instructions. For better orientation, the water supply is divided into the following 3 categories:
- Abundant watering: water thoroughly as soon as the top layer of soil has dried
- Moderate watering: only water when the substrate has dried to a depth of 2 cm
- Economical watering: let the substrate dry by two thirds and just moisten it
If excess water accumulates in the saucer, pour it out after 10-20 minutes to prevent waterlogging.
Mistake 2: Improper editing at the wrong time
If you are planning a radical pruning of your houseplant, if the date falls outside the growing season. If a plant is in the middle of its vegetation, the fresh shoots will fall far short of expectations after being cut by more than half. Woody plants in particular should ideally be cut into shape at the end of the winter break. Do not cut just anywhere, but place the disinfected, sharp scissors 2 mm above a he althy bud.
Mistake 3: Location with blazing sun at midday
If you choose the location of your new houseplant purely based on decorative considerations, you won't be able to enjoy it for long. Although the vast majority of potted plants prefer a sunny to partially shaded window spot, only a few species can tolerate full summer sun at midday. With a curtain or awning you can effectively reduce intense sunlight on south-facing windows.
Mistake 4: Fertilizing in winter
In the limited substrate volume of their pots, houseplants rely on a regular supply of nutrients. However, this only applies to the growth and flowering period. Therefore, only add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water from spring to autumn. In winter, most ornamental plants want to rest, so additional nutrients have negative consequences, such as mast growth or premature budding.
Mistake 5: Inappropriate wintering
The changing care requirements during the cold season are often given too little attention. Many houseplants stop growing from November to February. Therefore, in winter, adjust the water supply to the significantly lower requirement and do not give any fertilizer. Furthermore, in most cases cooler conditions are more advantageous than a place directly next to an active radiator.
Tip
You can avoid the main problem of excessive water supply if you keep your houseplants hydroponically. Almost all popular species and varieties are suitable for this alternative to substrate maintenance. From A, like anthuriums, to O, like orchids, most houseplants have the potential to thrive with aquatic roots.
