Houseplants are a great way to add a touch of nature and beauty to any home. They can also help purify the air inside your home, enhance moods, increase productivity, and improve overall health.
But with so many varieties available on the market today—from ferns to succulents—it can be overwhelming trying to decide which type of plant is best for you and your space. To make sure you get it right the first time around, here are some common mistakes people make when shopping for indoor houseplants—and how you can avoid them.
Buying Plants That Like to Sun Tan
Oh, don't make that classic belly flop into the indoor houseplant shopping pool we once made - purchasing plants that like getting to sun tan. Remember to stand firm and don't overcompensate sunlight demands if your home is not equipped with windows to give your plant the sunlight it likes.
There are plants that are seasonal sun tanners. One of our favorites is Mahogany fern, they do well with low exposure to sunlight. Another plant we love is ZZ Plant, which only needs bright indirect light for a few moments at a time.
Not Knowing Your Plants Growth Potential
Another common mistake is not knowing the size of your chosen plant when it matures!
Overlooking this detail could result in lack of space, especially for plants that are tropical epiphytes, this means they like to grow on other objects, in search for better air flow or light - lipstick plants are notorious for this. You can easily avoid this by doing a little research and learning the size of your plant when it matures.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
Have you ever heard of the phrase "a watched pot never boils"? Well, the same goes for a houseplant that is constantly being drowned in water.
It's easy to get carried away in your excitement of owning your first plant and decorating your house - afterall, who doesn't want that jungle oasis in their home?
But, when it comes to watering, it's important to remember that moderation is key. Make sure to know the needs of your water.
Over-crowding Your Plants in One Area
Ambition is great, but it's important to remember that not all plants like crowding. In fact, some plants enjoy having their own personal space, too!
Epiphyte plants often compete for space and start growing in places they shouldn't grow. Depending in your plant, sometimes it might be best to keep them at a bit of a distance and remember to rotate them every couple of weeks.
This might seem trivial, but it's important to remember that every plant is unique and needs its own special care.
Not researching how to care for each type of plant before buying it
Most Hewma plant are very easy to care for, in fact, they would prefer it if they got their own person space from time to time to just chill and do what plants like to do - photosynthesize. But, some plants can be needy from time to time, especially as seasons change.
Make sure to research the plant you are looking to get, so that once you bring it home you're already well-prepared for its individual needs. One example is croton 'mammy' while this plant is generally a very low maintenance plant, it does prefer to be in a pot with moist soil rather than dry. On the other hand, Philodendron 'congo green' prefers dry soil, so this plant is certainly one that you can leave be and it will be happy with you for doing just that!
Our Final Words
Indoor houseplants can be a great addition to any home, but it's important to make sure you're not making common mistakes when shopping for them. With the right research and knowledge about each type of plant’s individual needs, you'll have no problem finding one that fits into your lifestyle perfectly. From sunlight requirements to watering techniques and overcrowding issues, these tips will help ensure that your plants remain healthy and happy in their new environment.
Don't forget—if at any point you need more advice or assistance with caring for your indoor houseplant collection, we're here to help at Hewma so contact us. We got you!