5 houseplant traps you should avoid

When you become a plant parent, you will quickly find that the world of houseplants is an enchanting place, and once your interest peaks, you're set on a steady incline that doesn't stop climbing. In my experience, these are the five most common traps where I see new enthusiasts fall.

1: You are buying plants because you see them on Instagram

The trendy hashtags and ever-growing wish-lists can quickly get the best of you. I'd encourage you to take a step back and think before your click add-to-cart so swiftly. Buying plants like this can lead you to purchase overpriced plants that you don't have the conditions or know-how to manage.

2: Getting too many plants, too fast

When indoor jungle fever catches you, you'll be going on a considerable plant haul before you know it. However, when you start collecting and adding lots of rare plants too quickly, you might be on a course for destined heartache. Instead, add one plant at a time to acclimate and master it.

Getting grow lights for the sake of it

Grow lights are great if you need them. Too often, eager plant parents invest in a decked out fancy plant shelf set-up from the on-set. Before you get caught, invest in a humidity meter, and make an effort to understand your natural light situation, what plants will thrive there, and you may find you don't need them.

Using too much fertiliser

Okay, you understand that you need to feed your plants, but you've bought liquid fertiliser, slow-release, and worm castings. Fertilising is a recipe for suffocating your plants and damaging roots that never-ends well. Instead, start with a more structured approach and select plant food methods based on specific plant needs.

Repotting too soon

Coming home from the plant store, you've bought the perfect terracotta planter. What do you do? Let's start with not immediately repotting your plant, which has just endured the stress of leaving the greenhouse, to the nursery and now your space. Give your plants time to acclimate and pay attention to the correct season for repotting.

Fallen trap to any of these? You're not alone! Let us know in the comments?