5 Houseplant Care Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)

Your plant isn’t being dramatic—it’s trying to tell you something.

There’s something deeply satisfying about walking into a room and being greeted by healthy, happy houseplants. They clean the air, boost your mood, and bring a little life into the corners of your home—especially during those long Canadian winters in Zone 5. But if your leafy pals are looking a little droopy, crispy, or suspiciously bald, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and you’re probably just making one (or more) of these common care mistakes. 

Let’s walk through the top 5 houseplant mishaps, why they happen, and what you can do to fix them—because healthy houseplants aren’t just for the green-thumb elite.

 

1. Overwatering (or Underwatering): The Great Balancing Act

The Mistake:

Most of us want our houseplants to thrive, so we water them... and then water them again... and again, just to be sure. Or, life gets busy and suddenly it’s been three weeks and your peace lily looks like it went through a desert hike.

The Problem:

Overwatering is one of the top reasons houseplants die. Constantly wet soil suffocates the roots and causes root rot, which is hard to bounce back from. On the flip side, underwatering leads to crispy leaves and stunted growth.

The Fix:

• Check the soil before watering. Stick your finger about 1–2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, go ahead and water. Still moist? Wait a few days.
• Match watering to plant type. Succulents like it dry between waterings. Ferns and peace lilies prefer more consistent moisture.
• Adjust for the season. In winter (especially in Zone 5 when the furnace is running), your plants need less water than in their active growing season (spring and summer).
• Always use pots with drainage holes. If your plant’s roots are sitting in a puddle, it’s not going to end well.

2. Not Enough Light (Even “Low Light” Plants Need Some Light)

The Mistake:

You picked the perfect plant. You popped it on a shelf across the room from the window and gave it love and water. But it’s looking pale and lanky and seems a little... defeated.

The Problem:

Light is essential for photosynthesis—without it, your plant doesn’t have energy to grow. Even “low-light” plants like snake plants and pothos still need moderate light. No plant will thrive in the dark corner of a windowless bathroom.

The Fix:

• Understand your plant’s light needs 
  • Plants labelled “bright indirect light” want to be near a window but out of harsh sun. “Direct light” lovers (like succulents and cacti) need to bask in full sun. “Low light” plants tolerate dimmer spots—but they still need light. 
• Watch your windows 
  • South-facing windows give the most intense light, followed by west, then east, then north. Choose plants based on what your space can realistically offer. 
• Supplement with grow lights
  • Winter in Zone 5 means shorter days and less natural light. Grow lights can give your plants a boost until spring returns.

 

3. Using the Wrong Soil or Pot

The Mistake:

You bring home a beautiful plant, pot it in whatever soil you have handy, and pop it into a pretty ceramic pot. Fast forward a few weeks: yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a sad, confused plant.

The Problem:

Not all plants want the same conditions. Succulents need fast-draining soil. Tropicals prefer more moisture. If the pot doesn’t have drainage or the wrong soil is holding too much water, your plant’s roots will suffer.

The Fix:

• Use plant-appropriate soil.
  • Cacti and succulents: sandy, gritty, fast-draining mix.
  • Tropicals (like monsteras and pothos): well-aerated potting mix that retains moisture but drains well.
  • Orchids: bark-based mixes that allow airflow to the roots.
• Make sure your pot has drainage. If not, place the plant in a nursery pot inside the decorative container. This lets you lift it out to water and prevents root rot.
• Repot as needed. If roots are circling the bottom of the pot or poking out the drainage holes, it’s time to size up.

4. Forgetting About Humidity and Temperature

The Mistake:

You keep your house cozy in the winter, but your plants start showing crispy edges, curling leaves, or dropping foliage. What gives?

The Problem:

Many popular houseplants are tropical in origin and struggle in the dry, heated air of a Canadian winter. Add in temperature fluctuations from doors, windows, or vents, and you’ve got a recipe for stress.

The Fix:

• Increase humidity.
  • Group plants together to create a mini-humid microclimate.
  • Use a humidifier nearby (your skin will thank you too).
  • Place a shallow tray of water with pebbles near your plants.
• Avoid drafts. Keep plants away from exterior doors, cold windows, and heating vents.
• Watch temperature swings. Most houseplants like 18–24°C (65–75°F). Try to keep conditions stable.

 

5. Skipping Fertilizer (or Overdoing It)

The Mistake:

You’ve had your plant for over a year and it’s never seen fertilizer. Or you bought a super-concentrated plant food and thought “if a little is good, a lot must be better!” (Spoiler: it’s not.) 

The Problem:

Over time, your plant depletes the nutrients in its soil. Without replenishment, growth slows, leaves pale, and your plant gets “tired.” Over-fertilizing, though, can burn the roots.

The Fix:

• Feed your plants during the growing season (spring–early fall).
  • Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month.
  • Skip fertilizing in the winter unless your plant is actively growing under supplemental light.
• Compost tea and worm castings are great natural options if you want an organic boost.
• Flush the soil every few months by watering thoroughly to prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.

A Few Bonus Tips

• Rotate your plants regularly. This keeps growth even and prevents the “leaning tower of pothos.”
• Dust the leaves. Yes, seriously! Dust blocks sunlight. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks.
• Pay attention to pests. If you notice sticky residue, webbing, or tiny bugs, act quickly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

 

Bringing it All Together

So there you have it, caring for houseplants isn’t about being perfect—it’s about paying attention. Every brown tip, droopy leaf, or slow-growing stem is your plant’s way of communicating. And the good news? Most mistakes are fixable. 

At Georgina Garden Centre, we’re all about setting you up for success—whether you're a seasoned houseplant collector or just getting started with your first pothos. We’ve got the soil, the pots, the fertilizer, and the know-how to help you grow a happy indoor jungle—even through a Zone 5 winter.

Need help troubleshooting a plant problem? Bring in a photo (or the plant itself) and our knowledgeable staff will help diagnose and guide you through the fix. Think of us as your local plant paramedics—without the sirens.

Happy gardening!