Taking care of houseplants can sometimes feel overwhelming, but don’t let that deter you. Research suggests that indoor plants can positively impact your well-being by improving air quality and boosting mood. If you’re still up for the challenge of maintaining your plants, here are some practical tips from our readers to help you keep them healthy and thriving.
Here are some user-recommended tips:
- Ivian Luciana di Lopez: I talk and sing to my plants, though I’m not sure if it makes a difference, they seem to do well. I water them once a week and apply fertilizer every six months.
- Luis Alberto C C: Plants need adequate light and ventilation, ideally 1 to 2 hours of sunlight daily. For succulents, direct sunlight is usually sufficient. In colder months, water less often, as succulents require minimal water.
- Ana Maria Constante: To address worms in the soil, boil water with a bit of laundry detergent, let it cool, strain it, and then use a sprinkler to apply it to the soil. This should be safe for your plants.
- Bere Meléndez: Add nutshells to the soil and water your plants weekly in summer and biweekly in winter. During the rainy season, let them get some rain, as it’s beneficial. Use orange peels to clean leaves and cinnamon powder to deter ants or pests. Show them some love too.
- Martinez Anarcky Artemisa: Use a vinegar solution (a small amount of vinegar dissolved in water) to treat leaves with white spots.
- Berly Cesmar: Succulents should be watered no more than twice a month and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Estrellita de Belén: Pothos plants can be grown in water. Regularly add water and remove any parts that haven’t taken root. Good root growth helps them adapt to soil and protect themselves from intense sunlight.
- Patti Marañon: Save water from washing rice to water your plants. This water can be rich in nutrients beneficial for plant growth.
- Maylé Sang: Mix a bit of sugar into your watering can three times a week. It’s said to make plants happy.
- Francesco Lombardo: When re-potting, use a mix of humid, half-humid, and dry soil, and consider adding small rocks on top.
- Carlos Burgos: Add eggshells to the soil and water plants twice a week. During winter, reduce watering. Spending time with your plants and showing them affection can also be beneficial.
- Mina Garza: Use coffee grounds or vegetable cooking water (without salt) to water your plants.
- Fabiana Infante: For severely dehydrated plants, soak them in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles rise. Then, let them rest in their usual spot. They should recover soon.
- Marco Consuelos: Clean your plant leaves with banana or avocado peels (use the inside, viscous side) to help them shine.
- Sarita Herrera: If you don’t have a spot with good air circulation, it might be best to avoid having plants in that area.
- Graciela Esayan: White spots on leaves may be caused by woodlice. Washing the plant with a white creamy soap can help.
Do you have additional tips or advice? Feel free to share your knowledge and experiences in the comments section, and don’t forget to include a picture of your plants.
