How Not to Kill Your Houseplants: Common Mistakes To Avoid

Posted on July 10th, 2025

Ever brought home a plant with high hopes, only to watch it slowly fade into a crunchy leaf memorial? You’re not alone.

Keeping houseplants alive isn't some elite gardening sorcery—it’s more like learning a new roommate’s quirks.

Some like the spotlight; others sulk if you so much as glance at them wrong.

Plants don’t come with warning labels, but your living room isn’t a rainforest either. The trick is figuring out what each one needs before you smother it with love—or water.

If you’ve ever wondered why that trendy fiddle leaf looks more like a twig these days, stick around.

We’re discussing the classic blunders that turn green thumbs brown... and how to dodge them like a pro.

How Not To Kill Your Houseplants: The Basics of Plant Care

Keeping a plant alive shouldn’t feel like prepping for a science fair, yet so many folks overthink—or completely ignore—the basics. Houseplants aren’t trying to be difficult; they’re just misunderstood.

Give them the right setup, and they’ll reward you with lush leaves and judgment-free companionship. Skip the guesswork by getting cozy with three key elements every plant parent needs to understand: light, water, and soil.

Light isn’t optional—it’s your plant’s main energy source. But before you stick that monstera in full sun like it’s on a beach vacation, consider where it comes from. Some plants, like peace lilies or pothos, enjoy low-light corners.

Others need that soft, glowing brightness that pours in from an east- or west-facing window. Then there are the divas—too much sun, and their leaves crisp up like chips.

Not enough, and they stretch out awkwardly like they’re chasing a spotlight. If your home doesn’t get much sunlight, grow lights can help fill in the gaps without turning your living room into a greenhouse.

Watering is where most plant murder happens. It’s tempting to hover, watering at the first sign of droop, but overwatering drowns roots faster than you’d expect. On the flip side, neglecting to water turns your plant into a botanical raisin. The trick?

Get to know your plant’s habits and stop assuming one watering schedule fits all. Stick your finger an inch into the soil—if it’s dry, water. If it’s not, walk away. Oh, and drainage holes? Non-negotiable. Sitting water is a fast track to mushy roots and regret.

Soil might not be flashy, but it’s the backbone of healthy growth. It’s not just dirt—it’s the difference between thriving and just surviving. Use the wrong kind, and your plant will struggle no matter how much light or water you give it.

A succulent stuck in heavy, wet soil? That’s a slow death. A fern in gritty cactus mix? Just sad. Choose soil that matches your plant’s natural habitat, and give it a nutrient boost now and then with compost or a light repot.

You don’t need a horticulture degree to keep your indoor jungle alive. Just nail the basics, pay attention, and don’t love your plants to death. The rest? We’ll cover that next.

Avoiding Common Houseplant Care Mistakes

Even the most devoted plant parent can sabotage their leafy darlings without meaning to. A little too much love, a little too little know-how—and suddenly your once-thriving pothos looks like it's writing its will.

The good news? Most of the biggest mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look out for (and what not to overdo).

Fertilizer might sound like the miracle cure for all your plant woes, but dumping it in like it’s protein powder won’t make your monstera buff. In fact, too much can fry roots, cause salt buildup, and leave your plant more stressed than before.

Think of feeding as seasoning, not the whole meal. Most plants are happy with a diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth seasons—spring and summer.

Come fall, it’s naptime. Hold back on the plant food and let your green buddy rest. Periodically flushing the soil helps rinse out excess salts and avoids buildup that sneaks up on you.

Here are three common plant care facepalms worth dodging:

• Dumping fertilizer too often, especially in winter

• Skipping regular plant checkups for pests or rot

• Using cute pots without drainage and letting water collect at the bottom

Regular health checks don’t require a magnifying glass—just a quick glance at the leaves and stems each week. Yellowing, curling, black spots, drooping—your plant’s got a whole drama language.

Learn it, and you’ll catch problems before they turn into full-blown crises. Don’t just admire your plants from across the room; get close, flip over a few leaves, and peek at the soil surface. It’s not paranoia—it’s good parenting.

And then there’s drainage. Sounds boring, but it’s the silent killer in houseplant care. Those gorgeous ceramic pots without holes? Death traps in disguise. Roots that sit in soggy soil for too long will rot—and once rot sets in, recovery is slim.

Use pots with drainage holes, and if you can’t resist that stylish planter with zero practicality, just double-pot. Tuck your plant into a smaller nursery container with holes, then nestle that inside the pretty one. Nobody has to know.

Also, don’t ignore the saucer. If water pools in there after watering, empty it out instead of letting your plant soak its feet.

Avoiding these rookie mistakes doesn’t require expert status—just a bit of awareness, a dash of patience, and the courage to say no to overwatering and overfeeding. Your plants will thank you in full, leafy applause.

Seasonal Care and Special Focus on Golden Pothos

Plants might not send calendar invites, but they’re very much in tune with the seasons—and if you want them looking their best, you’ll need to keep up.

Spring and summer are their golden hours: longer days, warmer temps, and a serious growth spurt.

During these months, plants drink up water faster and crave a bit more food, kind of like a teenager mid-growth spurt. Just be sure to water when the topsoil feels dry and offer diluted fertilizer about once a month.

Also, feel free to scoot your leafy friends closer to windows—but not too close. That midsummer sun can go from friendly to fried in no time.

As fall and winter roll in, your plants will start winding down. They grow slower, drink less, and generally like to chill. Unfortunately, your indoor heat might suck the humidity out of the air, so consider adding a humidifier or placing a water tray nearby.

Don’t force-feed them nutrients when they’re trying to nap—ease up on the fertilizer and reduce watering. With the right seasonal shifts, your houseplants will stay healthy without drama.

Now let’s talk about the real MVP: the Golden Pothos. It’s basically the plant version of that unbothered friend who’s always thriving, no matter what. It’s tough, adaptable, and hard not to love. But even low-maintenance champs need a little strategy.

• Let the top inch of soil dry before watering—this plant hates wet feet

• Rotate the pot weekly so it doesn’t grow lopsided toward the light

• Wipe dust off leaves now and then to keep photosynthesis running smoothly

Golden Pothos can handle dim corners, but if you want those marbled, variegated leaves to pop, stick to bright indirect light.

Skip the harsh afternoon rays—they scorch. Keep the air warm and a little humid, especially during colder months. If your leaves are turning yellow, that’s your pothos crying out about overwatering or poor drainage, not being dramatic.

Dusty leaves aren’t just a bad look—they block light absorption, so give them a quick wipe with a damp cloth once in a while. And while pests are rare, dry winter air can invite unwanted guests like spider mites or mealybugs. A spritz of insecticidal soap or neem oil usually sends them packing.

Golden Pothos isn’t needy, but when you get the basics right, it’ll reward you with lush vines and a vibe that says, “I’ve got it all together.” Even if you don’t.

From Brown Thumbs to Green Wins: End Your Plant Care Woes on a High Note

Keeping houseplants alive—and happy—isn’t about perfection. It’s about observation, adjustment, and a little patience. When you understand what your plants crave through the seasons, you don’t just keep them alive—you help them thrive.

The Golden Pothos proves that low maintenance doesn’t mean low reward. With minimal effort, it transforms any space into a lush, calming corner.

And once you’ve seen it grow, leaf by leaf, you’ll get why so many plant lovers start—and stick—with this resilient beauty.

If you’re ready to add a little easygoing greenery to your life, grab your Golden Pothos for just $12.99 at Cat’s Gardens. It's the kind of plant that forgives a missed watering, grows like a champ, and makes even beginners look like pros.

Looking for an addition to your indoor jungle? Browse our houseplant collection and discover a curated range of plants suited for every level of experience and every corner of your home.

If you’d like personalized guidance or have any questions, our team’s happy to help. Reach out to us via email or give us a call at (314) 548-5170. We’re here to make sure your plant journey starts strong and keeps growing.

With Cat’s Gardens, your green goals are just a leaf away.