29+ Expert Hacks for Growing Beautiful & Healthy House Plants

Houseplants are a beautiful and beneficial addition to any home. However, keeping them healthy can be challenging. That's why we've compiled a list of expert hacks to help you channel your green thumb.

Use Coffee Grounds To Fertilize Your Plants

Who doesn’t love to wake up and drink a cup of joe in the morning? Now, you can put all those leftover coffee grounds to great use by using them as a DIY fertilizer. It is sustainable and useful!

Coffee grounds are a great source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are all essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. Plus, they can help deter pests from the soil. It's easy peasy! Simply sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of your plants or mix them into the soil.

Create a DIY Self-Watering System

Remembering to take out the watering can, fill it, and actually water the plants can be such a time-wasting hassle. So, a self-watering system is a game-changer! It can save you time and effort when it comes to keeping your plants hydrated. It is easy as 123 to make one at home.

Take any container lying around the house that fits inside your planter and punch holes in the bottom. Then, fill the container with water and place it inside the planter. The water will slowly seep into the soil, keeping your plants hydrated for days at a time. This is the hack of a lifetime.

Add Epsom Salt To Boost Plant Growth

After a long day, there is nothing better than drawing a bath and filling it with relaxing Epsom salt. Now, we aren't the only ones who can benefit from Epsom salt. Your houseplants can, too! Epsom salt is a natural source of magnesium, which is essential for healthy plant growth.

This hack will also help any leaves that are beginning to yellow, because yellowing is typically due to a magnesium deficiency. To make the Epsom salt mixture, mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and use it to water your plants every 4-6 weeks. This will help to improve the overall health of your houseplants.

Repurpose Old Tights As Plant Supports

Do you have a run in your tights? Or did you come across a drawer of old ones you never use anymore? Don't throw them out! Old tights can be repurposed as plant supports for climbing plants. Plant supports are helpful because they help keep plants from bending, breaking, and crowding each other.

Take an old pair of tights and cut them into strips. Make sure they are long enough to circle around the plant. Then, starting at the base, wrap a strip around the stem and tie it together. Repeat the process as needed. As the plant grows, the tights will provide support and help to keep the plant upright. Recycling at its finest.

Make Your Own Plant Food With Banana Peels

Bananas are a rich resource of potassium, vitamin C, and more, making them an amazing addition to any diet. Not only are they beneficial for humans, they are also great resources to keep your houseplants thriving. Potassium is essential to plant growth, which makes using banana peels a vital houseplant hack.

Take your banana peels and turn them into plant food. The process is straightforward. To make your own plant food, chop up banana peels and mix them with water. Let the mixture sit for a few days, then strain out the liquid and use it to water your plants.

Use Eggshells As Natural Pest Control

Take your morning routine to the garden! After making scrambled eggs, there's no need to toss the eggshells into the garbage, utilize them in your garden. Eggshells can act as a natural pest control and repellent. The sharp edges will keep slugs and snails from entering the garden.

In addition to protecting your garden, eggshells are rich with calcium, which has numerous benefits, like promoting development of strong cell walls. With heathy, strong cell walls, plants are less susceptible to damage. All you have to do is crush the eggshells and sprinkle them in the soil around your plants.

Create a Humidity Tray for Tropical Plants

Tropical plants thrive in high humidity environments, but it can be hard to replicate that same type of habitat in the average home. This is where a humidity tray comes in handy. This houseplant hack will help take away a lot of the stress and work that comes with having these types of plants.

To create your very own humidity tray, fill a tray with pebbles and water. Then, place your tropical plants on top of the pebbles, making sure they are not sitting in the water. As the water evaporates, it will create a humid environment for your plants.

Mix Baking Soda With Water for a Fungus-Fighting Spray

Baking soda is the jack of all trades. From being used as a cleaning agent to whitening teeth, there is nothing this superpower ingredient can't do. It is also beneficial to use in your houseplants because it is a natural fungicide. This means it can be used to control fungal diseases on your plants.

For this houseplant hack, all you need to do is make a mixture of baking soda and water. It's as easy as pie! To create a spray, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a quart of water and put it in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture onto the affected areas of your plants, being sure to cover the entire plant.

Make a DIY Greenhouse With Plastic Bottles

Greenhouses can help protect plants from harsh environments, extend their growing season, and even help people grow plants they normally could not. But having a greenhouse requires extra space and money. So, this next hack will help you enjoy the benefits of a greenhouse without the hassle of building one.

You can create mini greenhouses by using plastic bottles. Cut the bottoms off of the bottles and place them over your plants, securing them in place with soil. The plastic bottles will trap the heat and humidity, which will produce a warm, humid environment for your plants. It's a hack for the ages.

Use a Handheld Showerhead To Water Your Plants

This next hack takes watering your plants to a whole new level. Instead of using a traditional watering can, try using a handheld showerhead to water your plants. It has many benefits, like being able to get to hard-to-reach areas or removing the dust and debris.

Additionally, using a showerhead allows for a more gentle and targeted watering. With this type of care, it will help prevent over-watering, under-watering, and damage to the delicate foliage. While it may be unconventional, this hack has many advantages for your indoor garden.

Add Charcoal to Your Plant’s Soil for Improved Drainage

The next houseplant hack involves an ingredient that is usually associated with summertime campfires, and we're not talking about s'mores - even though that would be delicious. Charcoal is an extremely helpful ingredient to use with your houseplants. Here's how to utilize it…

Since charcoal is a natural filter, it can help with drainage in your plant's soil. It will also help to create healthier soil because it will absorb excess moisture and toxins and act as a natural deodorizer. All you have to do is add a small amount of activated charcoal to the bottom of your pots before adding soil and plants.

Make a DIY Trellis for Climbing Plants

A trellis can be a great way to support climbing plants as they grow. It is usually made of wood or metal in a grid-like structure. From roses to tomatoes, there are many different plant types that need it to support their growth. This next houseplant hack helps you create your very own trellis.

Go DIY and make your own trellis. It can easily be done with items like bamboo sticks and twine. Once you have your items gathered, tie the sticks together in a lattice pattern. When it's all finished, place the trellis behind your climbing plant to give it something to cling to. Plus, it creates a decorative piece for your garden!

Use Fish Tank Water To Fertilize Your Plants

If you have a fish tank in your home, then it is your lucky day. The water from your fish tank can be used to fertilize your plants. Fish waste is a great source of nutrients for plants. It will provide the plants with the necessary nutrients for growth and can also help to keep the soil moist.

Adding fish tank water to your plants is a great way to help your plants thrive. Plus, it's a simple and cost-effective way to fertilize your plants without having to buy expensive fertilizers. All you have to do is add a small amount of water from your fish tank to your plant's soil for this houseplant hack.

Create a Mini Greenhouse With a Plastic Bag

Want to give your plant a nice, warm home? Here's a cool houseplant hack that'll create a greenhouse environment for your greenery! Grab a plastic bag, pop your plant in, and tie it closed, leaving a little gap for air to circulate. The plastic will trap the sun's heat and create a mini greenhouse.

Just make sure to keep an eye on the temperature inside the greenhouse. Too much sun can make it too hot for your plant. If that happens, untie the bag a bit to let in some fresh air. Make sure not to forget to take the plant out for some fresh air and direct sunlight from time to time. Trust us, your plant will thank you!

Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Natural Pesticide

Apple cider vinegar can serve as a fantastic natural pesticide for your plants. Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar to create a solution that can be sprayed on the leaves to repel pests. The acid in the vinegar will keep those pesky pests away!

It's safe for you and your plants, and this hack is super easy to make. Plus, you probably already have everything you need for it in your kitchen. Win-win! Pro-tip, if you have any leftover solution, you can use it for cleaning, too. Give it a try and watch how your plants love it.

Make a DIY Sunlight Reflector for Low Light Plants

If you have a low-light plant that's craving some extra sunshine, why not make a DIY sunlight reflector for it? It's a simple and effective solution. To get started, you'll need either aluminum foil, old CDs, or a mirror. Then, place the reflective material behind your plant and wait to see the results.

How it works is that the light will be bounced back onto the plant and will give it all the sunshine it craves and needs. It's a quick and easy way to give your plant that extra vitamin D boost. Try out this houseplant hack and watch your plant grow!

Use Ice Cubes To Water Your Plants Slowly & Consistently

Carrying the watering can around the house can be such a pain. From having to refill it to actually lugging around the heavy thing, this houseplant hack will help remove the hassle and pain of watering your plants. Instead of using a watering can or watering them all at once, try using ice cubes.

This method will water your greenery slowly and consistently. Simply place a couple of ice cubes on top of the soil every few days to give your plants a steady supply of moisture. It will eliminate the risk of over-watering and help maintain healthy soil. It's a dream come true hack for plant owners.

Add Vermicompost to Your Plant’s Soil for Nutrients

If you're looking to give your plants an extra boost, consider using vermicompost in your garden. Vermicompost is a type of compost that is made from worm castings. This natural fertilizer provides essential nutrients and can improve the structure of the soil. This is definitely a hack to wiggle your way into.

Vermicompost is a sustainable and environment-friendly option for natural fertilizer. The best part? Vermicompost can be made right in your own home with kitchen scraps and a worm bin. So, if you're looking to take your plant care to the next level, while also doing your part for the planet, vermicomposting is the way to go!

Create a DIY Plant Waterer With a Water Bottle

Going on vacation can be stressful, especially if you have plants at home. But don't worry, this next houseplant hack has got you covered! In a few easy steps, you can have yourself a DIY plant waterer that will keep your plants hydrated and healthy.

All you need is a water bottle and a little bit of creativity. Just poke a few small holes in the top of the bottle, fill it up with water, and then bury it next to your plant. This will allow the water to slowly seep out and keep your plant hydrated, even when you're not there.

Make a DIY Plant Stand With Wooden Crates

Have you ever thought about giving your plants a little lift? A plant stand can be the perfect solution. It's a great way to elevate your plants and give them more access to sunlight - and to add some decoration to the room. The bonus good news is, you can easily make your own plant stand at home!

Begin by taking some wooden crates, stack them up to your desired height, and then place your plants on top. It's that simple! Not only will your plants get more light, but they'll also be at a comfortable height for you to admire and care for and keep away from any pets or kids running around the house.

Add Aloe Vera Gel to Your Plant’s Water for a Health Boost

Looking for a way to give your plants a health boost? Aloe vera gel may be the solution. It has a variety of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more, that are all beneficial for your greenery. Adding a little bit of aloe vera gel to the water of your plants can be a game-changer for their health.

You don't need to use a whole lot to see the differences, either. A small amount of aloe vera gel can provide your plants with the necessary boost of nutrients they need to thrive. So, next time you have leftovers from that bad sunburn, give your plants a helping hand and add some aloe vera gel to their water.

Use a Spray Bottle To Mist Your Plants Regularly

Misting your plants is a great way to keep them hydrated. Regular misting can help prevent dryness and promote healthy growth. It's especially beneficial for plants that prefer a more humid environment. Dust and pests can build up on the leaves - yuck! But misting helps to wash them away, keeping plants healthy and beautiful.

This houseplant hack is extremely easy to incorporate into your routine. You only need two things - water and a spray bottle. Fill up your spray bottle, and then get to it! Misting is a simple and effective houseplant hack that will keep your plants looking and feeling their best.

Make a DIY Plant Light With a Fluorescent Bulb

As The Beatles once sang, "Here comes the sun." However, if your house is lacking in direct sunlight or you notice your plant needs an extra boost, this houseplant hack is the solution you need! Create a DIY plant light by using a fluorescent bulb. Fluorescent lights are actually similar to natural sunlight.

To create your DIY plant light, all you need to do is place the fluorescent bulb close to your plant. However, it is important to make sure you keep it a safe distance from the leaves because you don't want to accidentally burn them. The extra light will give your indoor plant just the boost it needs to continue thriving.

Use Lemon Juice as a Natural Insect Repellent

Ever notice unwanted pests gathering around your garden? The answer to getting them away may be right in your kitchen. This houseplant hack suggests using lemon juice as a natural way to repel insects. The acidity of lemon juice can repel a variety of pests, keeping your plants safe from damage.

To create a pest-repelling solution, mix equal parts water and lemon juice. Spraying this solution onto the leaves of your plants is an easy yet effective way to keep pests away. Not only will it help protect your plants, but it also provides a natural and non-toxic solution. So, grab a lemon and get going.

Create a DIY Plant Wall With Hanging Pockets

Adding greenery to your home has never been easier with a plant wall! This houseplant hack also doubles as a décor one, too. Making your own plant wall will not only bring life and freshness to your space, but it also saves precious floor space. What you need to begin are hanging pockets.

Then, choose the wall you'd like to use and hang the pockets in a design that fits your style. Then, fill each pocket with a different plant, and voila! You have a unique and beautiful piece of décor that adds life to your home. This creative DIY project will make every guest envious of your green thumb and decorating skills.

Make a DIY Plant Hammock With an Old T-Shirt

In addition to hanging pockets, a plant hammock is another fun and practical way to give your plants a little lift off the ground. It is especially a great way to show off those trailing leaves and to protect the plants from damage. Making a plant hammock is a breeze. You only need one thing to get started - an old t-shirt.

Here's how to make your DIY plant hammock: Cut the t-shirt into strips, then tie the strips together to form a hammock shape. Now you're ready to hang your ivy, pothos, or any other trailing plant in its new home. Enjoy watching your plants thrive in their elevated abode. As they say, it's all about location, location, location.

Use Cinnamon as a Natural Fungicide

This unsuspecting pantry staple is not only a delicious addition to any recipe, but a beneficial nutrient for your at-home garden. Cinnamon is a sweet treat for humans and plants! It's a natural fungicide, and the antimicrobial properties in cinnamon make it great at preventing the growth of mold and mildew in soil.

All you have to do is sprinkle some cinnamon on the soil. The cinnamon will help keep harmful fungi and bacteria at bay, giving your plants the best chance to thrive. So, next time you're looking for a quick way to keep your plants healthy, remember to go into your spice drawer and reach for the cinnamon.

Add Coconut Coir to Your Plant’s Soil for Moisture Retention

Coconut coir is a great houseplant hack for improving your plants' soil. It has the ability to retain moisture, which helps to keep your plants hydrated and healthy. Coir also enhances the soil structure and promotes aeration, making it a worthy addition to your plants' growing environment.

Made from the fibers of coconut husks, coir is a sustainable and renewable alternative to peat moss. This makes it an amazing alternative for gardeners who are looking for eco-friendly options. Using coir in your plants' soil can help support sustainability and keep your plants feeling and looking fresh.

Protect Your Plants With Beeswax

This next houseplant hack will have you buzzing! Beeswax is a wonderful ingredient to add to your houseplant routine. For starters, it helps to keep the soil moist and hydrated. It also provides a barrier to evaporation, meaning beeswax will help keep your plants happy and hydrated, even during dry spells.

Another great thing about this crafty hack is that it helps keep pests away. Many insects are discouraged by the scent and texture of beeswax. Plus, beeswax is all-natural and non-toxic. Just add some to your soil, and you'll see for yourself what all the buzz is about.

Make a DIY Plant Dolly To Easily Move Your Plants Around

It isn't uncommon to want to give your house a refresh or change things around. Yet, moving all the different plants can be such a hassle. This houseplant hack makes an easy and smart solution for that by creating a plant dolly. A plant dolly will make moving any large or heavy plant straightforward.

First, grab a small rolling cart or repurpose a small hand truck and place your plants on it. Then, roll them around as needed. You can even move your plants to different areas to get the right amount of sunlight or to clean up behind them. It's an effective and inventive way to give your plants the best care!