If you’ve ever looked at a plant and thought, “Something’s wrong…but I don’t know what,” you’re in good company. Most plant problems aren’t mysterious—they’re just signals. And once you know what to look for, they’re usually quick to fix.
At Annie’s Garden Shed, we want plant care to feel supportive, not stressful. Below are the most common plant care mistakes we see (especially in busy households), plus simple fixes you can apply right away.
1) Watering on a Schedule Instead of Checking the Soil
A weekly schedule sounds responsible, but plants don’t run on calendars. Light, temperature, pot size, and season all change how fast soil dries out.
Fast fix: Before watering, check the top 1–2 inches of soil. If it’s still damp, wait.
- Overwatering signs: yellow leaves, mushy stems, sour soil smell
- Underwatering signs: dry soil, drooping, crispy edges
2) Not Matching the Plant to the Light You Actually Have
“Bright room” can be misleading. Many plants need bright indirect light, not harsh sun—or they need more light than a shaded corner can provide.
Fast fix: Move the plant closer to a window (without direct hot sun) or choose a plant that fits your space.
3) No Drainage (or a Decorative Pot Without a Liner)
One of the fastest ways to cause root stress is trapping water in the bottom of a pot. Roots need oxygen, and standing water suffocates them.
Fast fix: Use pots with drainage holes or place the plant in a nursery pot inside your decorative planter.
4) Too Much Direct Sun Too Fast
Plants can sunburn—especially if they’ve been living in indoor light and suddenly get placed in direct sun.
Fast fix: Transition slowly. Start with morning light or filtered light and increase exposure over 1–2 weeks.
5) Overcorrecting When Something Looks Wrong
When a plant looks stressed, it’s tempting to do everything at once: repot, fertilize, water more, move it, prune it. That often makes things worse.
Fast fix: Change one thing at a time and give it 7–10 days to respond.
6) Fertilizing at the Wrong Time (or Not at All)
Plants need nutrients, but too much fertilizer—especially in low light or winter months—can burn roots and leaves. On the other hand, a plant that’s been in the same soil for a long time may simply be underfed.
Fast fix: Feed lightly during active growth seasons and choose a gentle, organic option.
7) Ignoring Early Pest Signs
Most pest issues are easiest to handle early—before they spread to other plants.
Fast fix: Check the undersides of leaves and stems weekly. If you see sticky residue, tiny webs, or speckling, isolate the plant and treat promptly.
Quick Plant “Check-In” Routine (2 Minutes)
When something feels off, do this quick check:
- Soil: Is it soaked, slightly damp, or bone dry?
- Light: Is it getting enough indirect light for its type?
- Drainage: Does excess water have a way out?
- Leaves: Any yellowing, crisp edges, spots, or pests?
Most plant issues become clear once you slow down and check the basics.
Want Ongoing Support (Without Guesswork)?
If you want plant care to feel easy and consistent, we’ve made it simple to get help and keep your plants thriving. Our care guides walk you through the basics for different plant types, and our organic plant food supports steady, healthy growth without harsh chemicals.
Keep your plants thriving with confidence.
If you’re ever unsure, bring a photo or stop by—helping you grow confidently is what we do.
