comScore
CASACOR
Landscaping

8 mistakes that may be making your plants sick

Minor errors in the care routine can weaken plants and affect their growth without immediate signs

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Apr 29, 2026, 9:00 AM

05 min de leitura
8 mistakes that may be making your plants sick

(Freepik/Divulgação)

Caring for indoor plants involves a routine that, at first glance, seems simple. However, small mistakes can accumulate over time and compromise the health of the species, often without immediate signs. Yellowing leaves, slow growth or premature leaf drop are not always perceived as a direct consequence of these practices.

Diseased plants

(Freepik/Divulgação)

Identifying these mistakes is an important step to reestablish the balance of cultivation. More than following fixed rules, observing plant behavior and adjusting care according to their needs helps avoid stress and supports more consistent development.

8 mistakes that may be affecting your plants


Some common day-to-day habits are responsible for a large share of the problems faced in home cultivation.

1. Excess water

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. The accumulation of water in the soil can suffocate the roots and encourage the appearance of fungi, impairing nutrient absorption and leading to rot.

2. Lack of drainage

Even with the correct amount of water, the absence of holes in the pot or of a drainage layer makes outflow difficult. This scenario keeps the soil constantly moist, creating unfavorable conditions for the plant.

3. Inadequate lighting

Each species has a specific need for light. Keeping full-sun plants in shaded projects (or the opposite) compromises their development. This is one of the mistakes that directly affects the vitality of the leaves.

4. Using incompatible pots

Pots that are too small limit root growth, while containers that are too large can retain excess moisture. The wrong choice interferes with the plant’s balance and hinders its healthy development.

Vegetable gardens, plants, seedlings, sprouts

(Freepik/Divulgação)

5. Lack of fertilization

Over time, the soil loses essential nutrients. Ignoring replenishment through fertilization is one of the mistakes that weakens the plant, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases.

6. Constant changes of place

Frequently changing the position of the plants can cause stress, since they need to readapt to light and temperature conditions. This kind of instability affects their growth.

7. Excessive pruning

Pruning too much or at the wrong times interferes with the plant’s ability to regenerate. Instead of stimulating growth, this habit can cause weakening.

8. Ignoring initial signs

Spotted leaves, unusual drop or changes in coloration are warning signs. Disregarding these indications is one of the mistakes that allows small problems to evolve into scenarios that are more difficult to reverse.

leaf with fungi

(Minhas Plantas/Divulgação)

How to avoid mistakes in plant care


Avoiding mistakes in cultivation does not require a complex routine, but rather constant attention to each species’ behavior. Observing the soil, the coloration of the leaves and the response to the project helps identify necessary adjustments before problems worsen.

Plants

(Freepik/Divulgação)

In addition, understanding the specific needs of each plant — such as watering frequency, type of light and nutrients — contributes to more precise maintenance. Small corrections in day-to-day care can make a significant difference in the health and longevity of the species.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creating agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Milena Garcia.