Houseplants Are Picky About Light and Water

Question: I am having a hard time keeping houseplants alive. I water them regularly. What’s the secret to healthy houseplants?

C.B., San Juan Capistrano

Answer: There are two secrets to keep in mind when it comes to having happy houseplants: proper watering and the right location.

With regular watering, you may be drowning your plant. Most houseplants like to approach dryness before being watered again.

Too much water will quickly lead to root rot. Unfortunately, the signs of root rot include wilting, so many unknowing, well-meaning plant owners water more, which exacerbates the problem.

Water houseplants on their schedule, not yours. Before watering, check for dryness.

This can be done in one of three ways. Stick your finger in the soil down to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, water. Or, if the pot is plastic, lift it up. Lightweight plants usually need to be watered. The third method is to use a moisture meter. It should register at the beginning of dry.

Keep in mind that most houseplants’ growth slows during the winter months, so they will need less water. Keep an eye on your plants, however, because heating systems can cause the soil to dry out.

Properly placing your plant is also critical. If you put a plant that prefers bright light in a dark location, it will lose leaves in response to the low-light conditions and eventually die. There are houseplants that will thrive in low-light conditions. It is very important to find out what light conditions a houseplant requires before bringing it home.

Consult with a California Certified Nursery professional at a nursery on the light needs of plants or check one of the many books on houseplants.

Have a problem in your yard? University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners are here to help. These trained and certified horticultural volunteers are dedicated to extending research-based, scientifically accurate information to the public about home horticulture and pest management. They are involved with a variety of outreach programs, including the UCCE Master Garden hotline, which provides answers to specific questions. You can reach the hotline at (714) 708-1646 or send e-mail to ucmastergardeners@yahoo.com. Calls and e-mail are picked up daily and are generally returned within two to three days.