30+ Houseplant Hacks That Actually Work
Keeping houseplants healthy and vibrant can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding plant parent, there’s always something new to learn about nurturing your indoor jungle.
We’ve compiled a list of over 20 houseplant hacks that actually work, making it easier for you to grow lush, thriving plants.
These tips and tricks are simple yet effective, using common household items and clever techniques to promote better growth and keep your plants looking their best.
From natural fertilizers to pest control, these hacks will help you create an ideal environment for your houseplants to flourish.
Dive in and discover how a few small changes can make a big difference in your indoor gardening success!
Use Coffee Grounds:
Why: Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, a vital nutrient for leafy growth.
How: Mix used coffee grounds into the soil to improve its texture and provide a slow-release source of nitrogen.
Eggshells:
Why: Eggshells are high in calcium, which helps strengthen cell walls.
How: Crush eggshells into small pieces and mix them into the soil. Over time, they decompose and release calcium.
Banana Peel Fertilizer:
Why: Bananas are high in potassium, which helps plants with root development and overall strength.
How: Soak banana peels in water for a few days, then use the nutrient-rich water to water your plants.
Epsom Salt:
Why: Epsom salt contains magnesium and sulfur, which are important for chlorophyll production and overall plant health.
How: Dissolve a teaspoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month.
Aspirin:
Why: Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can enhance a plant’s immune response to diseases.
How: Dissolve one aspirin tablet in a gallon of water and spray it on the plants to help them resist disease.
Cinnamon:
Why: Cinnamon has antifungal properties and can deter pests.
How: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on the soil surface to prevent fungal infections and deter pests like ants.
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Why: Hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen to the soil and can prevent root rot by killing harmful bacteria.
How: Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and use it to water your plants.
Aquarium Water:
Why: Aquarium water contains fish waste, which is high in nitrogen and beneficial microbes.
How: Use old aquarium water to water your plants, providing a natural and gentle fertilizer.
Rotate Plants:
Why: Rotating plants ensures that all sides get equal exposure to light, promoting even growth.
How: Every few weeks, turn your plants 90 degrees to ensure balanced growth and prevent them from leaning toward the light source.
ALSO READ: Do These 8 Things To Your Hydrangeas; They’ll Produce More Blooms
Prune Regularly:
Why: Pruning removes dead or yellowing leaves, which encourages new growth and keeps the plant healthy.
How: Regularly check your plants for dead or damaged leaves and trim them off with clean scissors or pruning shears. This helps the plant focus its energy on new growth and keeps it looking neat.
Shower Your Plants:
Why: Dust on leaves can block sunlight, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize effectively.
How: Give your plants a gentle shower with lukewarm water every few months to wash away dust and pests. This helps keep the leaves clean and improves photosynthesis.
Humidity:
Why: Many houseplants, especially tropical ones, thrive in humid environments. Dry indoor air can cause the leaves to dry out and brown.
How: Increase humidity by grouping plants together, using a humidity tray (a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles), or using a humidifier. The collective transpiration from grouped plants also helps raise humidity levels.
Proper Light:
Why: Light is essential for photosynthesis, and different plants have varying light requirements.
How: Place plants in appropriate lighting conditions based on their needs. If natural light is insufficient, use grow lights to provide the necessary light spectrum for optimal growth.
Avoid Overwatering:
Why: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common cause of plant death.
How: Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Bottom Watering:
Why: Bottom watering encourages deeper root growth and reduces the risk of overwatering.
How: Place pots in a shallow tray of water for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the soil to absorb water from the bottom. This method ensures even moisture distribution.
ALSO READ: 15 Best Indoor Plants That Are Easy To Take Care Of
Mulch:
Why: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
How: Use organic mulch, such as shredded bark, straw, or compost, on the soil surface around your plants. This helps keep the soil cool and moist, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Neem Oil:
Why: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can deter a wide range of pests without harming the plant.
How: Mix neem oil with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray it on the leaves and soil. This helps control pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Support Stakes:
Why: Tall or vining plants can become top-heavy and may need support to stay upright.
How: Use stakes, trellises, or other supports to keep plants upright and encourage healthy growth. Gently tie the plant to the support with soft ties.
Proper Pot Size:
Why: The right pot size ensures proper root growth and prevents issues like root binding or root rot.
How: Choose a pot that allows for some room to grow but isn’t too large. Repot plants into slightly larger pots as they outgrow their current ones.
Repot Regularly:
Why: Repotting provides fresh soil, which replenishes nutrients and gives roots more space to grow.
How: Repot plants every year or when they become root-bound. Choose a slightly larger pot, gently loosen the roots, and fill in with fresh potting mix.
ALSO READ: 21 Best Low Maintenance Perennials (Perfect for Spring)
Some More Tips
Use Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a gallon of water to acidify the soil for acid-loving plants like ferns and African violets.
Aloe Vera Gel: Use aloe vera gel as a natural rooting hormone when propagating cuttings.
Chamomile Tea: Water your plants with chamomile tea to prevent damping-off disease in seedlings.
Milk: Mix equal parts milk and water and use it to wipe down plant leaves, providing calcium and preventing fungal growth.
Charcoal: Add activated charcoal to your potting mix to improve drainage and prevent odors.
Garlic Water: Boil garlic cloves in water, let it cool, and use it as a natural pesticide spray.
Essential Oils: Use essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil diluted in water as a natural pest deterrent.
Yogurt: Apply a thin layer of yogurt on the soil surface to promote beneficial bacteria.
Sugar Water: Use a diluted sugar water solution to revive wilted plants by providing a quick energy boost.
Beer: Use flat beer to water your plants occasionally to provide nutrients like yeast and enzymes.
