10 Common Plant Parenting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Introduction: Mistakes

Being a plant parent can be one of the most rewarding hobbies, but it can also be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. Over time, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes that caused some of my beloved green friends to suffer. But each error was a valuable lesson, and today, I’m here to share these experiences with you so you can avoid making the same mistakes I did.

If you’re new to plant parenting or just want to up your game, read on! Let’s dive into the 10 biggest mistakes I made as a plant parent and learn from them together.

1. Waiting Too Long Between Waterings

One of my earliest mistakes was waiting too long to water my plants. I thought I was following the golden rule of “let it dry out between waterings,” but I ended up letting some of my plants dry out way too much. As a result, I faced dry rot and crispy, brown leaves that were impossible to revive.

To avoid this, it’s essential to understand each plant’s watering needs.

Let’s break down the two approaches and understand when each is appropriate:

Watering Consistently in Small Amounts:

Best for Plants That Like Constant Moisture: Some plants, like ferns, calatheas, or peace lilies, prefer to have their soil slightly moist at all times. For these types of plants, it can be beneficial to water more frequently but in smaller amounts to avoid over-saturating the soil.
Helps Prevent Overwatering: For beginners, consistent, small amounts can prevent the common mistake of drowning plants in too much water, leading to root rot.

Watering Deeply and Infrequently:

Best for Most Houseplants, Including Succulents and Cacti: Many houseplants, including succulents, cacti, and even many tropical plants, prefer a “soak and dry” method. This means watering thoroughly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot, then waiting until the soil is dry before watering again.
Encourages Healthy Root Growth: When you water deeply but less frequently, it encourages roots to grow deeper to search for moisture. This makes the plant more resilient and reduces the risk of overwatering.
Mimics Natural Conditions: In nature, many plants experience periods of rain followed by dry spells. Deep watering followed by drying out more closely mimics these natural cycles, which is why it’s often recommended for a wide range of plants.

2. Repotting and Moving to Lower Light

I made the mistake of repotting a plant and moving it to a spot with lower light at the same time. Plants need time to acclimate to their new homes, and I underestimated how sensitive they could be to changes in their environment. This drastic move left my plant stressed, with yellowing leaves and slowed growth.

To prevent this, transition your plants gradually. If you’re repotting, keep the plant in the same location for a while before moving it to a different spot. This allows it to adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Using Bone Meal Fertilizer in Pon

I tried using bone meal fertilizer in my pon (a soilless growing medium), thinking it would give my plants a great boost. However, I quickly learned that this was a mistake. Bone meal is better suited for soil, and when used in pon, it led to a nutrient imbalance that resulted in yellowing leaves and slow growth.

If you’re using pon, it’s best to stick with liquid fertilizers specifically designed for hydroponic or semi-hydroponic setups. Avoid fertilizers meant for soil, as they can lead to build-up and nutrient toxicity in a soilless environment.

4. Inconsistent Care: Mistakes

Consistency is key in plant care, and unfortunately, there were times when I was inconsistent with watering, fertilizing, and even lighting. Sometimes I’d water too often; other times, I’d forget for days. This erratic care left my plants confused and stressed.

To avoid this, establish a routine to check on plants. Set reminders on your phone or use a plant care app to keep track of watering, feeding, and other maintenance tasks. Your plants will thank you for it with lush growth and vibrant colors!

5. Not Acclimating Plants Properly – Yes, Cacti Can Burn!

I assumed that since cacti thrive in bright, sunny deserts, they could handle full sun immediately. Boy, was I wrong! When I moved my cacti into direct sunlight without a proper acclimation period, they quickly developed sunburn – yes, even cacti can burn!

To avoid this, always acclimate your plants (including cacti )gradually to bright light. Start by placing them in a shaded area and slowly move them into brighter spots over a few weeks. This way, they can adjust without getting scorched.

6. Over-Fertilizing My Plants

Early in my plant parent journey, I thought more fertilizer meant more growth. I was wrong. Over-fertilizing led to nutrient burn, yellow leaves, and stunted growth. I realized that holding off during the winter on the fertilizer helped eliminate the build-up in the soil and allowed my plants to recover.

The lesson here is simple: less is often more when it comes to fertilizer. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency on the fertilizer label and adjust based on your plant’s response. Remember, it’s easier to add more fertilizer than to deal with the aftermath of over-fertilizing!

7. Not Washing the Dust Off the Pon

I overlooked the importance of rinsing off the dust from my pon (pumice and nutrient mix). Over time, dust and residue build-up can reduce airflow and water absorption, causing root rot and unhealthy plants.

Always rinse your pon thoroughly before using it. This ensures that your plant’s roots have the best environment to thrive in, with good air circulation and proper moisture levels.

8. Buying Clearance Plants (Without Thinking Twice)

Who doesn’t love a bargain? I sure do, and I’ve bought my fair share of clearance plants. But they’re often discounted for a reason – whether it’s disease, pests, or root rot. I’ve ended up with plants that were more trouble than they were worth.

Unless you’re an experienced plant parent comfortable with rehabilitating ailing plants, think twice before buying clearance plants. It might be better to invest in healthy plants to save yourself the time, money, and frustration of nursing them back to health.

9. Overreacting to Minor Issues: Mistakes

It’s easy to panic when you see a yellow leaf or a spot on your plant. I made the mistake of overreacting to these minor issues, often taking drastic measures like repotting or overwatering, which only stressed my plants further.

Instead of panicking, take a step back and assess the situation calmly. Plants often have natural cycles of shedding old leaves or showing minor imperfections. Only take action if the problem persists or worsens over time.

10. Not Knowing When to Let Go

This may be the hardest lesson of all – learning when to let go of a plant. I’ve tried desperately to save plants that were too far gone, pouring time, energy, and resources into reviving them, only to be disappointed.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to accept that not all plants can be saved. It’s okay to let a plant go and focus on the ones that are thriving. Remember, plant parenting is a journey filled with both successes and failures.

Final Thoughts: Mistakes

Becoming a successful plant parent doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Each mistake is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to understanding your plant’s unique needs. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to plant care. It’s about trial and error, patience, and most importantly, love for your green friends.

By sharing these mistakes, I hope you feel more confident and prepared to give your plants the best care possible. And remember, even the most seasoned plant parents have their slip-ups – it’s all part of the adventure!