5 Common Plant Myths Debunked

We've all heard the age-old advice; if you water plants in direct sun they'll scorch or adding broken pots to you plants help them to grow, but how many of these actually stand up? Being experts in all things foliage (if we do so say ourselves), we've decided to debunk the most common myths about planting once and for all.

MYTH ONE:

Once the leaves are yellow, your house plant is gone for good

It's true that yellowing leaves mean your plant could do with some serious TLC, but it doesn't necessarily follow that there's no hope for it. To save it, ensure that it receiving a enough water, although be sure not to over water it! Place it somewhere with adequate light and make sure it does not have too much fertiliser. Your plant will be back to its healthy self in no time!

MYTH TWO:

Pesticides are the only way to get rid of an infestation

When you notice your favourite houseplant has a pest, the first instinct might be to reach for the chemical pesticides. However, this might not be the best option for it, or for you for that matter! There are a number of more natural and less harmful methods of treating pest issues such as dish soap, rubbing alcohol or special horticultural oils. Just be sure to check that the product you use is safe for your particular plant.

MYTH THREE:

Watering plants on sunny days will scorch them

This is a plant care myth that has been doing the rounds for years. We've all been told we shouldn't water our plants on sunny days as the drops of water can form a lens that focuses the sun's rays and therefore burns the leaves. However, this advice isn't as rock solid as first thought. Water droplets evaporate too quickly for the 'lens effect' to have time to take place. In actual fact, those who follow this rule may end up with wilted, parched plants who are in desperate need of water.

MYTH FOUR:

Putting broken crocks in the bottom of your pots helps drainage

Although many gardeners swear this method, in actuality, it was proven to have no positive draining effects over 100 years ago. Due to the fact that water moves slower between several substrates than it does through just one, this popular gardening tip could actually cause the pots to be slower to drain. Opt for a piece of card or perhaps just one shard of terracotta for more effective drainage.

MYTH FIVE:

Indoor plants will die in the winter

This is a myth we've heard a lot, but guess what - it's not true! If you keep your indoor environment consistent, many plants will survive throughout the year. Their growth might start to slow down during the colder months due to a lack of sunlight, but with the right care and attention, your houseplants can thrive throughout the winter season.