10 Houseplants You’re Killing Without Realizing.
A houseplant is a beautiful way to bring some life into your home and add a bit of green to even the dullest corners. They bring us joy, but can also lead to quiet frustration. You water them, place them by a sunny window, and maybe even talk to them (no judgment here), but still, they wither away. Why does this happen? The truth is, some plants are more sensitive than they appear, and we’re unknowingly doing things that make them unhappy.
With a little knowledge and attention to detail, you can turn your brown thumb into a green one. Let’s explore some popular houseplants that you might be unknowingly killing and how you can keep them alive.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a dramatic plant. One moment, it’s a Pinterest-worthy dream, the next, it’s dropping leaves faster than you can say, “What happened?” They hate inconsistency. They can get stressed from overwatering, underwatering, or even from being moved around too often. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry and keep them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Never let them sit in water—wet feet are a definite no-no.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are tough, but there’s a limit to their resilience. One common mistake is using tap water directly from the faucet. Spider plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine, which causes their leaf tips to turn brown. Use filtered water or let tap water sit out overnight. They also thrive in humidity, so if your home tends to be dry, mist them occasionally to keep them healthy.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are deceptively picky when it comes to watering. With their elegant white blooms, they seem like low-maintenance plants, but they are not. Overwatering will drown their roots, and underwatering will cause the leaves to droop dramatically. They also don’t like cold drafts, so keep them away from windows and doors that let in cold air. A useful tip: they will tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping slightly, but they’ll perk up once watered.
Succulents
Succulents are often thought to be foolproof, but this isn’t always the case. They are prone to being overwatered. These desert plants store water in their leaves, so they don’t need frequent watering. Water sparingly and ensure they’re in well-draining pots. If your succulent feels squishy or its leaves start falling off, it’s a sign you’re overwatering.
Orchid
Orchids are as stunning as they are delicate. They are highly sensitive to improper watering and poor lighting conditions. Water them only sparingly and in the cool morning light to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight; they prefer bright, indirect light. Orchids thrive in conditions similar to their natural habitat—warm, humid, and well-lit but not in harsh light.
Monstera
Monstera’s iconic split leaves have taken over Instagram, but many people struggle to keep theirs alive. The most common mistake is overwatering. Monsteras like to dry out between waterings. Yellowing leaves? That’s a sign to stop over-watering! To avoid root rot, make sure your monstera is placed in a location with plenty of indirect light and is in a pot with good drainage.
Calathea
Calatheas are as temperamental as they are beautiful. These plants are very sensitive to light, temperature, and humidity. If they’re unhappy, they’ll curl their leaves or develop crispy edges. Place them in a humid area, like a bathroom, and use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup. They also dislike direct sunlight, so give them a cozy spot with soft, filtered light.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a multitasking miracle plant, but it’s easy to overcomplicate its care. Many people think it’s a thirsty plant, but in reality, aloe loves neglect. Water it only when the soil is dry all the way through, and make sure it’s in a pot with good drainage. Place it in a sunny spot, but avoid the intense midday sun, as it could burn its leaves.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns thrive in humidity, but they don’t fare well in the average home, especially during winter when the heat is on. When the air is dry, their fronds turn brown and crispy. To keep your fern lush, mist it daily or place it near a humidifier, particularly during the winter months when the air tends to be dry. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it will scorch its delicate leaves.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are fairly easy to care for, but they do have one big pet peeve: inconsistent watering. Leaf drop can occur if the soil is allowed to dry out too much or if it’s overwatered. They also don’t like being moved frequently, so choose a bright spot with indirect light and leave them there. Dust their leaves occasionally to help them absorb more light.
