Garden Resources

Houseplant Care Tips

Conservatory / Greenhouse Staff
Mar 6, 2023

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Houseplant Care Tips

Houseplants are a great addition to any home by brightening up living spaces and bringing an outdoor feeling inside. Learning how to ‘read’ the signs your houseplants are sending is a proactive way to keep them healthy and prevent the use of pesticides. Here are a few quick tips to keep your plants looking their best:

1. Always check the soil for moisture.

Do not water it if it feels wet to the touch. If the soil feels dry, water it thoroughly and discard any excess water in the drain pan.

2. Are there older yellowing leaves?

Don’t be alarmed. This is a natural ageing process. They will either drop off by themselves or need to be removed.

3. Do the leaves have brown tips or edges?

This is usually a sign that the soil is too dry or too wet. Make sure the soil is not allowed to dry out or the pot does not sit in water. Brown tips or leaf edges can also indicate a high soluble salt content in the soil. Put the pot in the sink or bathtub and thoroughly water the soil. Repeat this a few times.

4. Do you see insects or damage from insects?

Remove the plant from the others. Insects can migrate to all of your plants. Either wash or pick off the visible insects, or prune away the infested areas. If the insects do get out of control you can use a recommended green friendly insecticide.

For more advice about caring for your houseplants, stop by Olbrich’s Schumacher Library.