Common Mistakes Made by Beginner Plant Owners

If you’re new to the world of plant parenthood, trying to figure out which plants are best for your space and how to care for them can be a bit overwhelming. While there’s certainly a learning curve when it comes to keeping plants healthy, there are some common mistakes that beginner plant owners make that they can easily avoid. Watch out for these, and your plants are sure to flourish.

Overwatering Plants

One of the most common mistakes made by beginner plant owners is overwatering their plants. It may seem counterintuitive, but too much water can be detrimental for many types of plants—potentially leading to root rot. When watering succulents or cacti, you should know that these hardier plants require a careful eye to prevent too much water from sitting around and attracting bacteria.

Not Pruning Properly

Some plants require regular pruning to stay healthy and continue growing at a steady rate. But if you don’t know what you’re doing when pruning, you could end up doing more harm than good. For example, some plants require specific cutting techniques, such as pinching off leaves instead of snipping them off with scissors. You may need some specialized tools for pruning more delicate plants to avoid harming them as well. Pruning helps your plants grow to their full beauty and potential, so it’s worth learning what works best for each variety.

Too Much Sunlight

Too much sun exposure is another common mistake that feels counterintuitive to new plant owners. Different types of plants have different sunlight needs, so it’s important to understand the specific amount of sunlight each one needs for optimal growth—no more, no less! If you’re not sure how much sunlight your particular plant requires, start by keeping it out of direct sunlight for several days, then gradually increase its exposure as needed, keeping watch for how much it blooms or changes color.

Overcrowding Plants

Overcrowding your plants in one small space is a recipe for disaster. Crowded conditions can promote disease and create competition for resources like water and nutrients. Aim to give each plant its own space with plenty of air circulation around it so that it can thrive without competing with another plant for resources.

Plant ownership isn’t always easy, but it’s extremely rewarding once you learn what to look out for! Don’t give up if a few plants aren’t thriving as you had hoped. It’s a learning process, after all, and you’ll get better with practice.