Houseplants are amazing companions, but sometimes the advice floating online around can be… a little misleading. When there is so much contradicting information out there, it’s easy to get confused. To help you out, our Head Horticulturist has busted the top 5 houseplant myths!
Myth 1: All Houseplants Need Direct Sunlight
The Truth: Not all plants crave direct sunlight. In fact, many popular houseplants like Monstera, Pothos, and Calathea prefer bright, indirect light or even low light spots.
Our Tip: Place sun-loving plants like succulents and cacti near a south-facing window, but keep your tropicals in filtered light to avoid scorched leaves.
Myth 2: You can feed orchids ice cubes instead of water
Truth: This is a big misconception. Ice can shock orchid roots and stress the plant, especially tropical varieties that evolved in warm, humid environments. Water should be room temperature and consistent, not sudden bursts of cold.
Our Top Tip: Water your orchids when the potting medium is almost dry, usually once a week. Use tepid water and let it drain completely.
Myth 3: You should prune all yellow leaves immediately
The Truth: Not every yellow leaf is a death sentence. Sometimes it’s a natural lifecycle, especially for lower leaves. Removing too many leaves at once can stress the plant and limit the energy sent back to the remaining plant.
Myth 4: You Can Revive Any Dead Plant
The Truth: Not all plants can be saved once they’re beyond recovery. While some can bounce back from neglect, others may be permanently damaged.
Our Top Tip: Learn to read the signs: yellowing leaves, black stems, or mushy roots often indicate irreversible issues. But don’t give up too soon as sometimes pruning damaged leaves can help a struggling plant recover.
Myth 5: Mist Spraying is Enough for Humidity
The Truth: Light misting doesn’t actually raise humidity enough for tropical plants like Calathea, Alocasia, or Anthurium and it can do more harm than good. Constant wet leaves create the perfect environment for fungal infections, leaf rot, and pests.
Our Top Tip: Skip the misting and use a humidifier to maintain consistent moisture in the air. You can also place plants on a tray of water with pebbles or group them together, both methods naturally boost local humidity without wetting the leaves.
Houseplants are forgiving, but they do best when their needs are understood. Avoid myths, observe your plants, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a little care, your indoor jungle can thrive!
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