Water it and it will absorb water like a sponge, inflating in size. On the other, cacti's thick body can store enough water to self-sustain for a long time and in case of a drought, the body will just 'drink' the stored water and get slimmer. On one end of the spectrum, delicate species like ferns have thin tiny leaves and can dry out quickly. The ability to store water varies dramatically across species and therefore water needs are different.Īs a rule of thumb, the thicker the leaves the less water a plant needs. This happened to you? I killed my second plant - which was a succulent - by watering it as much as the other one - which as a tropical specimen. Most succulents thrive with as little as a monthly watering, whereas a weekly watering will kill them. Cacti can survive for months without water. People mistakenly think all plants need to be watered the same way. Mistake #1: ironically, the most frequent cause of houseplant not surviving is overwatering. To help you whatever your level, here are the most common mistakes about house plants I hear every day, debunked. And if you really want a specimen that's known to be demanding, you can get the right tools to do the job for you. Well, if you pick the right species, you won't have these problems. Or maybe you're afraid to get one because you think it's a full time job - pretty much like raising kids – and that is too much time and effort in maintenance.

Knowing the climate your plant originally thrives in can help you make sense of its needs. #7 - Not knowing where the variety comes from.

Too much moving your plants around, too much water, too much light, too much attention.

#5 - Forgetting to check the roots. Roots being the feeding organ of the plant, it's essential to keep them healthy. Thinking you need to have a green thumb to have radiant plants at home. #3 - Maintenance. Thinking all plants need a LOT of maintenance, time and attention. #2 - Light. Thinking all plants need a LOT of sunlight. Recap: most common mistakes with house plants

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