Experts Share 4 Simple Tricks to Keep Houseplants Alive

Your houseplants aren't dying because you're cursed with a black thumb. According to top experts from Gardeners' World and the Royal Horticultural Society, most people are simply making a few common mistakes that are surprisingly easy to fix.

Adam Frost, host of BBC's Gardeners' World, and Clare Preston-Pollitt from RHS Garden Bridgewater say the secret to thriving indoor plants isn't magic or special talent. It's about understanding what your specific plants actually need and matching them to the right spots in your home.

The most common killer is actually kindness gone wrong. Many plant parents drown their greenery with too much water, especially drought-loving varieties like cacti and succulents that only need a gentle mist. Preston-Pollitt recommends checking soil dryness before watering and using water globes that slowly release moisture.

Location matters more than most people realize. That gorgeous monstera you bought might be struggling simply because it's in the wrong room. Preston-Pollitt suggests bright lounges for monsteras, humid kitchens for peace lilies, and steamy bathrooms for devil's ivy.

Seasonal care makes a huge difference too. While plants need regular watering and feeding during spring and summer growth spurts, they enter a semi-dormant state in winter when light levels drop. During colder months, wait until soil is completely dry before adding water and skip the plant food entirely.

For those struggling with holiday poinsettias already looking sad in January, Frost says respecting their warm Mexican origins is key. Keep them away from drafts but out of direct sunlight, water sparingly, and add monthly plant food to extend their vibrant life well beyond the New Year.

The Ripple Effect

This practical advice is empowering people who've given up on indoor gardening to try again with confidence. The RHS reports that houseplant ownership has surged in recent years as more people discover the mental health benefits of caring for living greenery indoors. When armed with the right knowledge, even self-proclaimed plant killers are successfully growing lush indoor gardens.

Preston-Pollitt recommends nearly unkillable starter plants like snake plants, cast iron plants, and Hoya carnosa for nervous beginners. These drought-tolerant varieties can survive in darker spaces and forgive occasional neglect while new plant parents build their confidence.

Your next houseplant doesn't have to end up in the compost bin.