Beginner Plant Care Tips Every Stylish Home Needs

Bringing greenery into your space should feel joyful—not stressful. But if you're new to houseplants, it can be easy to fall into a few common traps. At Botanicoeur, we believe plant care should feel intuitive, beautiful, and doable for any lifestyle. This guide will help you sidestep the most common beginner mistakes so you can grow with confidence.

Let’s start with some of the most common mistakes.

Overwatering (aka loving too hard)

What happens: Roots rot, leaves droop, your plant looks sad.

Botanicoeur Tip: Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always check your light before assuming your plant is "thirsty." Don’t be afraid to stick your finger directly into the soil. If it’s dry to the touch to your knuckle, it’s most likely time to water.

Using the Wrong Pot or Soil

What happens: Your plant stays waterlogged or doesn't breathe.

Botanicoeur Tip: Choose pots with drainage holes and use soil suited to your plant type (not all soil is created equal! We love Rosy soil.). If you choose a pot with no drainage holes, there are two options, depending on the material of the pot. If the pot is a plastic or resin, you can easily drill holes at the bottom. For other planter materials, like glass, ceramic, or clay, use them as decorative pots, and keep the plants in their growing pots.

Giving It Too Much (or Too Little) Light

What happens: Scorched or leggy leaves, stunted growth.

Botanicoeur Tip: Observe your space throughout the day. Most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light, so avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Not Knowing What You Own

What happens: You can’t give your plant what it actually needs.

Botanicoeur Tip: Snap a pic and identify your plant using an app or our free guide. Knowledge means happier plants! Just like people, plants have unique traits.

Treating Plants Like Decor Only

What happens: You forget it’s alive—and it quietly dies.

Botanicoeur Tip: Plants are living design elements. Check in weekly, rotate them, and enjoy the ritual of care.

Want more beginner tips?

Download our free Plant Care Guide to learn the essentials and start building a space that thrives.