Houseplants not only add a natural, decorative touch to our living spaces, they offer a therapeutic release for the day’s stresses and a sense of accomplishment when we see a new leaf bud or blossoming flower appear. But caring for plants can often be a source of stress for people, especially when flora fatalities continue to pile up and it seems like even keeping a plastic houseplant alive is impossible.

But becoming a successful green thumb isn’t as difficult as you think – if you avoid some houseplant pitfalls. Dana Hamilton of The New Leaf florist shop in downtown Toronto points out some common mistakes that even the most attentive of plant owners sometimes commit.

1. Location, location, location
According to Hamilton, many people simply buy the wrong plant for the wrong location in their homes. The more diffused light from a north-facing window is drastically different from the full sun a plant might receive from a southern exposure. By not knowing what kind of light conditions your plants thrive under, you are likely scorching them or depriving them of the minimum amount they need to survive. Hamilton’s advice is to ask when buying your plant which window exposure is appropriate.

2. Watering
Believe it or not, most people over water their plants, rather than under water. “They notice the top dirt is dry and assume the plant needs water,” says Hamilton. What they should be doing, he offers, is placing a finger in the soil. If you are hitting moisture by the middle knuckle, where the roots are, your plant does not require watering. Many people also doom their plants to a watery grave by over watering, and then letting them sit in the water that fills the plant tray. Dana advises not letting a plant sit in water longer than two hours. At that point the soil and roots are saturated.

3. Fertilizing 
Even houseplants need regular fertilizing, says Hamilton. Many well-meaning plant owners who eventually are left with a dried plant skeleton either fertilize with the wrong fertilizer for the plant type or don’t fertilize their plants at all. Dana advises that houseplants need year-round nutrition, at least once a month, and especially in the spring and summer when growth is at a peak. Again, Hamilton suggests that if you don’t know what kind of fertilizer to buy, ask a florist for advice.

4. Pot size 
Another misperception Dana Hamilton has noticed is that people think plants need a lot of room to grow. In fact, the reverse is true. “Plants want to be pot-bound,” says Hamilton. “The more room in the basement, the less growth upstairs.” Dana recommends repotting your plant only one size larger, and ideally in the spring. For instance, if your favourite plant seems to be busting out of its 4-inch pot, upgrade it to a 6-inch pot.

As to the notion that talking to your plants helps them grow, Dana thinks there is an ounce of truth to the tale, in that by naming something and talking to you it, you take more of a vested interest in its proper care. The conversation you have with your houseplants may be more therapeutic to you than to them, but the dedicated time spent on their tending will result in healthier plants. So keep these common mistakes in mind the next time you water “Fred” and you’ll be surprised how much better he looks every time you return for another chat.

Tips from Dana Hamilton to keep your plants looking their best:

• Turn your plant a quarter turn every time you water it so every side has equal exposure to the window.
• Shower your plants at least three times a year to remove dust (it will help your plant breathe easier).
• Once a flower bloom is on the decline cut it off. Removing the bloom accelerates new growth.