As the saying goes, "not everything you hear is true." The same goes for gardening, where there are many myths and misconceptions that people believe when it comes with gardening. Here are some of the myths about gardening, and the facts to debunk them.

Myth 1: You should water your houseplants constantly.

Fact: Too much water is not good for your plants. Overwatering makes it difficult for plants to pull nutrients from the soil and it leads to root rot. It's better to water your plants only when the soil is dry to the touch.

 

Myth 2: Plants grow bigger in bigger pots.

Fact: Indoor plants do well in pots that are balanced with the size of the plant and its roots. If the pot is too large for a plant, too much soil will surround the roots. And when you water the plant, it will stay wet too long, and the roots may rot. A pot that is too small can also stunt a plant's growth.

 

Myth 3: If you don’t have a green thumb, you can’t keep plants alive.

Fact: You don't need to have a green thumb to care for plants. You need basic information to care for your plants. A houseplant guide can help you learn basic things, like how to water plants, where to keep them, or how to re-pot your plants.

 

Myth 4: Misting plants increases the humidity.

Fact: Misting plants increases the humidity by a small percentage, but its effect is temporary. However, it does help keep plants clean. To increase humidity in a room, use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plants.

 

Myth 5: Plants are not safe for kids or pets.

Fact: Not all indoor plants are unsafe for kids or pets. There are a few indoor plants that are toxic if consumed. If you bring those plants home, keep them out of reach of your pets and little ones. Some indoor plants are even beneficial for purifying the air in your home.

 

Myth 6: Indoor plants need a lot of direct sunlight.

Fact: Some indoor plants benefit from a lot of direct sunlight while others prefer less sun and suffer from sunburn when exposed to direct sunlight all day long. It's important to research the specific light requirements of each of your indoor plants and place them accordingly.

 

Myth 7: Compost piles are meant to smell awful.

Fact: If correctly worked, compost piles don’t smell bad. A lot of people complain about the awful smell of their compost piles, but that’s usually due to the fact that they are trying to compost the wrong things. Correctly formed compost piles should have a nice, earthy smell.

 

Myth 8: Indoor plants need fertilizers for growing.

Fact: Plants only need water, sunlight, and fresh air to grow. You can speed up the growth process of plants with fertilizer, but excess nutrients can accumulate in the soil and burn roots or cause leaf discoloration. It's important to fertilize your plants in moderation.

 

Myth 9:  You should water your plants when they’re wilting.

Fact: Most plants show signs of wilting when they need water, but there could be a different reason as well. Do a quick check. You might have overwatered the plant. Check if the soil is still wet. Does the plant get enough light? Are there any pests? These factors could also cause wilting.

 

Myth 10: Indoor plants go dormant in winter.

Fact: Most indoor plants come from warm and humid regions, and during winter, the air is dry and days are colder. Therefore, it is almost impossible for plants to replicate the same conditions that affect their growth, and people misapprehend it as dormancy. You should still care for your indoor plants regularly during