Plant care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Water more frequently for plants in sunny spots (e.g., every 5 days) and less frequently for those in shade (e.g., every week), as sun dries them out faster.
More sun makes soil dry up more often.
one person who lived it
Try watering specific plants, such as palms, with old black tea.
One person reported it made their palm plant greener.
- Based on one person's experience with a palm plant.
one person who lived it
Dry and crush banana peels, then add them to water to create a tea for plants.
This gets potassium from the peels into a solution that is easier to apply.
one person who lived it
Fertilize about once every three months, but avoid fertilizing in winter to prevent burning the plants.
Too much fertilizer can burn plants.
- Do not fertilize in winter.
one person who lived it
Propagate basil by cutting tops or side shoots at a 45-degree angle and placing them in water near a window until roots form.
Roots typically appear in 3-7 days, readying the cutting for planting.
one person who lived it
Avoid watering tropical houseplants with ice cubes.
Extreme cold causes temperature swings that shock roots evolved for slow-changing environments.
- Especially avoid this for orchids, as their roots do not appreciate contact with ice.
3 people, independently
Water plants with room-temperature or sun-warmed water instead of cold water.
Warmer water helps root pores open to accept moisture, whereas cold water shocks them.
one person who lived it
Reuse leftover drinking water from glasses or bottles to water houseplants.
It prevents water from going to waste.
one person who lived it
Water houseplants with old freshwater aquarium water.
It contains nitrates and other substances plants love.
- Do not use water from saltwater aquariums.
2 people, independently
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Clean houseplant leaves with a slightly wet soft cloth once every two weeks to remove dust that hinders photosynthesis.
Dust accumulation makes it harder for plants to undertake photosynthesis properly.
one person who lived it
Use filtered water instead of tap water for hydroponic setups if possible.
Plants seem to prefer filtered water, and the difference is noticeable almost immediately.
one person who lived it
Avoid fertilizing new plants immediately after purchase, as it is likely a waste of fertilizer since they already have enough nutrients.
It is compared to taking a multivitamin for a cold—unnecessary and wasteful.
one person who lived it