1. Correct Watering

• The #1 cause of houseplant death is under or over-watering
• Check plants for water readiness before watering
• Use a moisture meter; water most plants when it shows 4 (next to 3, which is dry)
• Don’t forget to water, as dried-out soil leads to dried-out plants
• Always use warm or tepid water; cold water can damage roots

2. Correct Lighting

• Critical for plant growth and photosynthesis
• Most houseplants need medium light
• Use full-spectrum lighting if natural light is insufficient
• Monitor light levels, as window light may not be enough

3. Fertilizing

• You are “mother/father nature” for potted plants
• Aim to fertilize every 3-4 months for most houseplants
• Flowering plants may need more frequent fertilizing
• Use organic fertilizers

4. Controlling Pests and Diseases

• Regularly check plants for signs of pests or diseases
• Use a jeweler’s loupe for close inspection
• Deal with issues immediately to prevent infestations
• Refer to pest control video series for guidance

5. Re-potting

• Repot most houseplants every 2-3 years
• Use high-quality organic potting soil (e.g., Pro Mix BX, Happy Frog)
• Best time to repot: late winter to early spring
• Avoid repotting during cold winter months

6. Providing Sufficient Humidity

• Some plants require high humidity (e.g., African violets, maidenhair fern)
• More houseplants naturally increase humidity
• Watch for signs of low humidity: brown leaf tips, crispy edges, leaf loss
• Note: These symptoms can also indicate overwatering or root rot

7. Have Faith in Yourself and Your Houseplants

• Maintain interest and care to keep plants healthy
• Learn from failures to achieve success
• Remember that plants clean the air, benefiting your health