Common Mistakes with Indoor Plants (We're All Guilty Of Number 1!)
Indoor plants are one of the easiest ways to add life, colour, and calm to your home. But even the hardiest houseplants can struggle if they’re not given the right care. From overwatering to choosing the wrong pot, it’s surprisingly easy to make a few slip-ups that leave your plants looking sad instead of lush.
Here are the most common mistakes with indoor plants, and how to avoid them, so you can enjoy thriving greenery all year round.
1. Overwatering (and Underwatering)
The number one indoor plant killer is water. Too much, and roots drown. Too little, and leaves crisp up.
How to fix it:
Check the top 2–3cm of soil before watering. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Use pots with drainage holes.
Remember, plants need less water in winter and more in summer.
2. Using the Wrong Pot
Decorative pots look great, but if they don’t have drainage, your plant could suffer from root rot.
How to fix it:
Always keep plants in nursery pots inside decorative ceramic pots.
Empty any water that collects at the bottom of a cover pot.
3. Ignoring Light Levels
Not every corner of your home suits every plant. Some houseplants love bright indirect light, while others are happy in low-light spots.
How to fix it:
Place low-light plants (ZZ Plant, Snake Plant) in shaded corners.
Keep sun lovers (Bird of Paradise, Fiddle Leaf Fig) near a sunny window.
Rotate your plants occasionally to avoid one-sided growth.
4. Forgetting About Humidity
Many indoor plants (especially tropical ones like Calatheas and Ferns) love a bit of extra humidity. Dry NZ homes in winter can leave them struggling.
How to fix it:
Group plants together to create a microclimate.
Mist leaves lightly or use a pebble tray with water.
Bathrooms are perfect for humidity-loving plants.
5. Not Repotting When Needed
If your plant looks droopy or roots are circling the base, it’s probably outgrown its pot.
How to fix it:
Repot into a container 2–3cm larger.
Refresh the potting mix yearly to give roots new nutrients.
6. Using the Wrong Soil
Garden soil is too heavy for pots and can suffocate roots.
How to fix it:
Always use indoor potting mix with good drainage.
Add perlite or pumice for extra aeration if needed.
7. Neglecting Pests
Even the healthiest houseplants can get unwelcome guests like fungus gnats or spider mites.
How to fix it:
Check leaves regularly for spots or webs.
Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth.
Use natural pest sprays if problems pop up.
8. Expecting Instant Growth
Plants don’t grow overnight. A little patience goes a long way.
How to fix it:
Understand your plant’s natural growth cycle.
Celebrate small wins like a new leaf or healthy root growth.
Why These Mistakes Are So Common
Most plant parents mean well, they just love their plants too much. Extra water, extra fertiliser, or a “perfect” decorative pot can backfire if not done with the plant’s needs in mind. By paying attention to light, water, pots, and soil, you’ll avoid the biggest mistakes with indoor plants and build a collection that thrives year after year.
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