Plant Myths: DEBUNKED

Between internet hacks and “plant tok”, it's hard to separate fact from fiction. Let’s clear up a few common houseplant myths so you can care for your plants with confidence rather than confusion.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Myth 1: All plants love direct sunlight.

Truth: Most houseplants prefer bright indirect light. Direct sun can scorch their leaves, especially for tropical plants like ferns, pothos, or calatheas. A study from the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension confirms that many popular houseplants (like pothos and peace lilies) thrive best in filtered or indirect light.

Myth 2: Water once a week, like clockwork.

Truth: Your plant doesn’t know what day it is. Water based on soil moisture, not your planner. Stick your finger an inch into the soil & for most plants, if it’s dry, it’s time.

Myth 3: Shiny leaves = healthy plant.

Truth: Shiny leaves aren’t always natural. Many commercial plants are sprayed with waxy coatings. According to research by the Royal Horticultural Society, frequent use of commercial leaf shine products can clog stomata, reducing a plant’s ability to breathe.

Myth 4: All plants want humidifiers.

Truth: While tropical plants love humidity, succulents and desert natives prefer dry air. A 2019 article in Frontiers in Plant Science explains that excessive humidity can promote mold and mildew in inappropriate environments.

Myth 5: Yellow leaves = you're killing it.

Truth: Older leaves yellow and drop naturally. If new growth looks good, you're probably fine.

Myth 6: Repot as soon as you bring it home.

Truth: Plants need time to adjust to new environments. Give it a few weeks before repotting unless roots are busting out the bottom of the pot.

Myth 7: More fertilizer = faster growth.

Truth: Overfertilizing can burn roots and stunt development. A 2018 report in Horticulture Research found that excessive nitrogen interferes with microbial balance and water uptake.

Myth 8: Plants don’t do anything at night.

Truth: Some plants, like snake plants and aloe vera, release oxygen at night through a process called CAM photosynthesis. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, these plants also filter airborne toxins which makess them perfect bedroom companions.

Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

Bonus Fun Facts

  1. Plants Can “Hear” Water
    Research has shown that some plant roots can grow toward the sound of running water even in the absence of moisture. This suggests plants use sound vibrations to detect where to grow, which helps them survive in dry environments.

  2. They Communicate Through the Air
    When under attack by pests, some plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air that warn nearby plants to activate their own chemical defenses. It’s basically plant-to-plant gossip.

  3. Banana Plants Are Technically Herbs
    Though they look like trees, banana “trunks” are actually made of tightly packed leaf stems. Because they don’t produce true woody tissue, banana plants are considered giant herbs.

  4. Plants Have Internal Clocks
    Just like humans, plants follow circadian rhythms. They “know” when it’s day or night even in controlled environments thanks to internal clocks that regulate processes like leaf movement, flower opening, and photosynthesis

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Your plants want consistency, not perfection. Forget the hacks & get to know your plant, in your space. Observe, adjust, and be patient. That’s how you build a real relationship with your greenery.

Happy Growing!

- Zoé & The Greenhaus Team

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