02/02/2026
Generic plant care advice is one of the biggest silent killers of houseplants 🌱
Time and time again I see people say “yellow leaves = overwatering”. But the truth is, we need way more information than that. Yellow leaves can be caused by infections, pests, reactions to chemical sprays, nutrient issues, or simply age (yes houseplants naturally shed old leaves).
Neem oil is another big one. It’s often recommended as a safe pesticide because it’s organic (organic does not automatically mean safe, by the way). There’s a lot of mixed evidence on whether neem actually solves pest problems. In my experience, it tends to deter pests rather than eliminate them, and I’ve seen it burn leaves even in bright, indirect light. I see this ALL the time on TikTok. It's important to do what works best for you and your plants try it and see if you like it.
💧“Stop watering in winter.” I hear a chorus on tiktok cry.
Watering usually needs to be reduced, not stopped completely. If your plants are in a warm room with the heating on, they may dry out faster and even need more water than usual. It always depends on your plant and your space.
On the same note (and this one REALLY irks me): if your plants are warm and have access to light and water, they will continue to grow. Growth may slow because days are shorter, but it doesn’t stop. Please keep feeding your plants (usually at half strength or with a diluted liquid feed). My houseplants are fed every two weeks in winter because they’re still growing.
🧊Ice cube watering is NOT a hack - especially for tropical plants or orchids. Cold water can shock roots, and melting ice doesn’t distribute water evenly. This can actually increase the risk of root rot rather than prevent it.
And finally: sphagnum moss. Please only recommend ethical, high-quality suppliers. Many people experience rot and pests because moss is sold as “live” when it’s preserved, poorly processed, or incorrectly harvested. Every time I’ve tried cheap moss, it’s arrived with flies or caused rot. Good moss exists, but it isn’t always accessible or affordable.
➡️Plant care isn’t one-size-fits-all.
