Moms Need To Know ™

Moms Need To Know

  • Recipe Index
  • Gardening Tips
  • The Mom Life
    • Life As A Mom
    • Frugal Living
    • DIY Projects
    • Etiquette and Manners
  • Essential Oils
  • Saving Money
    • Grocery/Drug Store Coupon Deals
    • Coupon Insert Preview
    • Coupons.com
    • RedPlum Coupons
    • SmartSource Coupons
    • Online Coupon Codes
  • About & Contact Me
    • Contact
    • Terms & Conditions

5 Rules For Keeping Houseplants Alive

October 29, 2014 by Mindi Cherry

5 Rules For Keeping Houseplants Alive

Keeping houseplants alive and thriving is not the easiest for everyone, but its not altogether impossible. Everything depends on the plant that you bring into your home, where you decide to place it and how much attention you give, or remember to, it. There are a few simple rules for keeping houseplants alive, and it starts from the moment you decide to bring a plant into your home.

Carefully consider each of these simple rules and tips to keep happy healthy plants growing in your home for many seasons to come.

Rules to Get Started

Before you even own a plant there are a few things you need to consider. First, do you have a place where a houseplant can live. Is there a sunny window? Do you have a windowsill or counter space free? Potted or hanging? Once you have these basic questions figured out and a place ready for a plant, you can shop smarter for a plant that can have its specific needs met based on what you can provide. It took several years of my husband buying me certain plants that I killed within about 6 weeks before we realized that, just because a local store is selling it for a holiday, that doesn't mean that we can keep it alive once the holiday is over!

Rules for Adopting

Don’t just grab the first plant you see and like. A successful plant is the one that is already in good health and will not die quickly after being moved to an entirely new environment. Shop at a nursery where care is given to the plants, not where plants are just stored till they are sold. Big box chains are great for price, but they do not care for their plants and their individual needs the same way a nursery will. Look for plants that are watered, have clean leaves and that do not have roots hanging out of the bottom of the pot– something that indicates plants that have outgrown their pots a while ago. As for the flower itself, pay attention to what stage of growth it is in. If the plant it already wilting or has leaves that are dying back, pass and find a plant with flowers that are just beginning to bud.

Rules for Watering

Watering is where most folks tend to kill their houseplants, either over or under watering the plant because they don’t know how much water it needs or forget to water it for long spans and then drowns it in one episode. Find out what your plant needs first and try to stick to a routine. If you notice brown leaves, you aren’t watering enough. If your plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it needs less water. Pressing down on the soil should never result in water pooling on the surface and soil should also never be dry enough to be removed in a single clump.

Rules for Cleaning

A clean plant is a happy plant, because a clean plant can breathe. Dust settles on everything in the home, and you are not about to let dust collect on your plates so why would you let it collect on your plants. Regularly dust the leaves of your plant so that they can take in air and sunlight. Its also a great idea to give flowers some time in the bathroom where it can enjoy the steaming atmosphere when you shower. The steam will collect on the leaves and naturally wash away dirt, as well as work like a plant spa day.

Rules for Repotting

Finally, all plants will eventually outgrow the space they have been planted in and need to trade up. As soon as you start to see roots on the surface of the soil, sides of the pot or growing out the bottoms of the pot, it is time to move your houseplant to a bigger container. Always get a pot that is able to drain itself which will help a case of overwatering. The pot that you choose should be two to four inches wider and deeper to give roots room to spread out. Add new soil and water well after repotting.

Do you have any tips to add?

Related

Filed Under: Gardening Tips

This post may contain affiliate links which might make me money. I promise to only use the money to buy wine, male strippers and glitter-pooping unicorns (and maybe to donate to starving orphan puppies in Africa) or whatever the heck I want. If you think I shouldn't make money for the 60+ hours that I spend on this site each week, please go away and never come back. Read my disclosure policy.

« Is Wegmans Really More Expensive Than Other Stores?
Chick Fil’A Chicken Nuggets + Dipping Sauce Recipe »

Comments

  1. Jeaneen Jones says

    December 7, 2014 at 9:21 am

    Thank you!

Welcome!

Thanks for stopping by! As a busy mom. I just want to put healthy and flavorful meals on the table quickly without having to rely on processed foods, while still trying to maintain a household. Read More…

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Keeping This Site Free For You!

Most Popular Posts

  • The Best Dip For Doritos
  • Oreo Truffles Oreo Cake Balls Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe in the Crockpot
  • Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Recipes Crockpot Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
  • Companion Planting What Not To Plant Together
  • Easy Cherry Thumbprint Cookies Christmas Cookies
  • Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup Easy Chicken Recipes
  • Free Organizing Printables

    More Deliciousness!

    Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe

    I am slightly addicted to fish tacos but don't like the way that so many places fry the fish. Blackening the fish gives these fish tacos so much flavor!

    Blackened Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

    Easy Cinnamon Roll Recipe | Homemade Cinnamon Rolls!

    Mexican Lasagna | Freezer Friendly and Absolutely Delicious

    Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!

    • Facebook
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    A creamy dijon and mushroom sauce make this my absolute favorite pork chops recipe! Simple to make and you can even substitute chicken for the pork!
    This quiche recipe can be whipped up very quickly and is full of flavor! They're quick and easy (and gluten-free), and the variations are endless!
    Built on the Genesis Framework
    Copyright © 2019 Moms Need To Know. All rights reserved.