Growing A Green Thumb; Overcoming The Biggest Beginner Challenges.

I can’t count how many people i’ve encountered that believe they just don’t have a green thumb! It’s always been a silly concept to me because while some people do have a natural knack for planting, it’s absolutely something you can learn (and it’s easier than you think)! I’m going to outline many challenges beginners face and the simple solutions that will grow your green thumb.

Far too often we bring a plant home, unaware of what it may require from us, and slowly watch it wither because of some mistake we didn’t know we were making. Having a basic, but thorough understanding of what our plants need and how they let us know will set us up for success. Here are the common mistakes we tend to make in the beginning (and how to save your plant if you find yourself in this boat)!

• Over Or Under Watering (And not knowing the difference).

  • ISSUE: Over Watering. This most often happens because the soil or pot isn’t well draining enough, or from too much h20.

  • SIGNS: Browning edges, overly soft “soggy” leaves, wilting (looks like heavy leaves on the stem if overwatered).

  • SOLUTION: Put the plant in a sunny/warm spot to dry out, or if it’s really wet soil you can repot to avoid roots rotting.

  • ISSUE: Under Watering. This most often happens because of seasonal changes and forgetfulness.

  • SIGNS: Wilting (looks like the base of stems leaning over and leaves getting soft and or curled), soil pulling away from the edges of the pot, soil feeling dry, drooping leaves.

  • SOLUTION: Water your plant until water flows out of the drain holes, OR place some water in a bowl with your plant allowing it to soak up the water for about 10 minutes or until the top of the soil starts getting damp.

• Having Your Plant In The Wrong Size Or Type Of Pot.

  • ISSUE: Too big/small of pot, wrong kind of drainage, plastic retaining more water vs terra cotta allowing more drying.

  • SIGNS: Roots growing out of the container, slow growth, unhappy plant even with correct care.

  • SOLUTION: Plants need a pot at least two inches larger in diameter when repotting and repotting should be done only when the roots are running out of room to grow into. Certain plants prefer being somewhat root bound so double check your plant with a quick search. If you use plastic planters be aware that they retain more moisture and therefore you should water slightly less. Alternatively terra cotta pots help pull moisture from the soil and are a wonderful choice for succulents and cacti that prefer drier conditions.

• Using The Incorrect Type Of Growing Medium

  • ISSUE: Many plants will grow in a variety soil types and even in water but some plants will need specific soil environments to thrive and can brown or even rot if potted incorrectly.

  • SIGNS: Wilted looking leaves, falling leaves, browning, dark almost black roots.

  • SOLUTION: Make sure you’re using a soil made for the type of plant you’re potting up, there are many soil mixes at the store labeled as cactus, succulent, general potting, vegetable garden, etc type of soil. If you’d like to you can also mix your own! For beginners a solid soil mix for indoor plants is 1/3 premade cactus mix, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 potting soil or compost based soil. Add some horticultural charcoal if you’d like and you’re gonna have some healthy plants! Side Note: Do Not put rocks at the bottom of your soil, it actually restricts the water’s ability to flow out of the pot and can lead to root rot.

• Placing Your Plants In Incorrect Lighting/Weather Conditions

  • ISSUE: Too much/too little light, temperatures, weather conditions such as rain or heavy wind, dry vs humid air.

  • SIGNS: Burnt, falling, or curling leaves. Damage to leaf or other parts of the plant, crispy edges, brown spots in the middle of leaves.

  • SOLUTION: When you buy a plant check its label for quick info. At the very least a name will usually be provided, but many labels let you know temperature, light, and humidity conditions that are favorable to the plant. If a plant isn’t thriving in one area of your home, try moving it! Your plant may like the humidity in the bathroom, the sun from your patio, or the shade in an office (be mindful not to move your plant too often as it needs time to adjust and some plants are sensitive to change).

• Overwhelming Yourself In The Beginning.

  • ISSUE: Maybe you never owned a plant and you just bought 5, or maybe you’re apprehensive to buy even one because keeping a plant alive seems challenging.

  • SIGNS: Unhappy plants, unhappy plant parents, a list of plants you’ve killed that only doesn’t include fake ones.

  • SOLUTION: Take it easy! Really, there are many plants available that are very beginner friendly and your local nursery staff should be able to help you pick them out. There are also tools like water meters, self watering pots, grow lights, humidifiers, and more that can make plant parenthood easier! Subscribe to the blog for more insider plant care tips and reference this post if you’re needing a refresh of the basics.