Skip to Content

How to Stop Killing Your Houseplants

Dead Peace Lily in Acton BathroomIf you are the same with the majority of people, you do not have a good track record when it comes to keeping houseplants alive. For those who are a bit foliage-challenged, caring for houseplants can feel like a trivial and mysterious task. But it doesn’t have to be like that. By following some basic principles few simple phases, you can stop killing your houseplants and begin enjoying their natural beauty in your Acton rental home.

Step 1: Choose Hardy Plants

To grow healthy houseplants, start with the right kind of plant. There are numerous different houseplant varieties, most of which are fairly sturdy and can withstand a little neglect. When buying a plant, look for one that is healthy, green, and bushy. Avoid plants that look dry, wilted, or spotted. When you bring your plant home, do a number of researchand guarantee that you have the correct size and style of pot, together with some good quality potting soil. Most plantsneed a just an adequate room to grow, so choose a pot slightly larger than your plant currently needs. Also, choose a pot with holes in the bottom for drainage. Don’t forget to place something to catch the drainage, however, to avoid damage to your furnishings or property.

Step 2: Get the Light Just Right

Just like how it is in real estate, when it comes to houseplants, location matters. Select a spot that gets the kind of light your houseplant needs. Most indoor plants do well in indirect sunlight, but others need a little direct sun every day to thrive. Ensure you know what kind of sunlight your plant needs, and select a spot that will fit the bill.

Other than finding the right sunlit spot for your houseplant, try to avoid exposing your plant to any other environmental factors that might destroy it. It’s best to keep your plant away from cold drafts, hot air blowing on it from your furnace, too much moisture or humidity, or too little moisture. If that sounds like a real challenge, it probably is. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, it is possible to find the precise spot for your plant to bloom.

Step 3: Water Correctly

Watering a houseplant incorrectly is the top reason that they die. It can be a challenge to know how much water to give your plant, how often to water it, and so on. A general guideline is to keep the soil around your houseplant moist but not soaked. Too much water can lead to unwanted pests, plant diseases, and, eventually, the death of your houseplant. To test the dryness of the soil, stick a finger into it about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, add water. Use a watering can with a long spout to pour the water directly onto the earth (never water a plant on the leaves), and disappear gradually until the soil is moist, but water is not pooling on top.

If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, many different kinds of watering devices can help. Simply setting a reminder on your calendar or another device might help you remember to check your houseplant regularly. Additionally, there are both high-tech and low-tech options that can help you manage the moisture levels in your houseplant’s soil, ensuring a long and healthy life.

Step 4: Groom and Feed

All plants need extra nourishment from every now and then and likewise would have to be pruned or trimmed.Different plants have different nutrient needs, so make sure to research what kind of plant food is recommended for your specific plant. You may also find helpful guidance at your local nursery or garden center. To keep your plant looking its best, trim off any yellow or dying leaves, dry flowers, and so on. This will encourage your houseplant to create new leaves or blooms and guarantee that your plant is looking and feeling healthy, too.

Even though caring for a houseplant can be a challenge, it is not impossible to do. With some careful planning and research, you can confidently manage your houseplant and enjoy its natural beauty for many years to come.

Are you in the market for a new rental home? Real Property Management Traditions can help! Contact us today or check out our rental home listings.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details