Rule #1: Light is Food
Many beginners think plants just need water to survive. In reality, light is their food source. Water just helps them digest it. If you put a plant in a dark corner and keep watering it, it will not grow. It will rot.
Rule #2: Watering is About "When", Not "How Much"
Overwatering is the #1 killer of houseplants. But "overwatering" doesn't mean giving too much water at once. It means watering too frequently.
When you water, you should soak the soil completely until water runs out the drainage hole. Then, you must wait until the soil dries out before watering again.
The Finger Test
Before you water, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
- Wet/Muddy: Do NOT water. Walk away.
- Damp: Wait a few more days (unless it's a fern).
- Dry/Dusty: Time to water!
Rule #3: Drainage is Non-Negotiable
Every pot needs a hole in the bottom. If water has nowhere to go, it sits at the bottom of the pot and rots the roots.
If you have a beautiful decorative pot without a hole, just keep the plant in its plastic "nursery pot" and place that inside the decorative pot. When you water, take the plastic pot out, water it in the sink, let it drain, and put it back.
Still not sure?
Take a picture of your plant with PlantCare. It will identify it, tell you exactly how much light it needs, and create a custom watering schedule based on your local weather.
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