A home filled with vibrant plants is a visual treat for every nature lover. There is nothing more satisfying than coming home to a space filled with lush green plants. Whether it is a vibrant Money Plant trailing from a shelf or a tall palm standing proudly in a corner, indoor plants bring freshness, beauty, and aesthetic appeal to our living spaces.
However, keeping plants alive, especially in the hot and dry climate of UAE, can be challenging. Many plant lovers find themselves asking some basic questions, such as, “Why my plants are dying UAE?” or “How to maintain houseplants in the Dubai climate?”
If these questions have crossed your mind, you are not alone. Even the most experienced gardeners make common plant care mistakes. But here is the catch. Most common plant care mistakes are easy to fix once you understand what is going wrong and what needs to be fixed.
Let us explore these mistakes one by one and learn the best way to keep plants alive in hot weather.
Mistake 1: Overwatering or Underwatering- One of the most common plant care mistakes is incorrect watering. Many people assume plants need daily watering, but that is rarely true, especially for indoor plants in the UAE.
Because Dubai’s air is dry and temperatures can soar, it is very tempting to overwater. Unfortunately, too much water can drown roots, causing them to rot. On the other hand, underwatering results in dehydration of plants and drooping of leaves.
Plant Watering Tips UAE:
- You need to inspect the top soil before watering. If it appears dry, water gently until it drains from the bottom.
- Always use pots with drainage holes and avoid your plant to “sit” in water.
- During summer, most indoor plant care Dubai requires watering once or twice a week. In winter, you can reduce it further.
- For succulents or Money Plants, you need to water less frequently, as these indoor plants can store moisture in their leaves and roots.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to watering in the UAE climate.
Mistake 2: Placing Plants in Direct Sunlight- While sunlight is essential, not all plants enjoy the harsh Middle Eastern sun. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and dry out soil too quickly.
Many people keep plants like Money Plant or ferns near south-facing windows, thinking more sun equals more growth. Sadly, this often results in burnt leaves and weak stems.
Plant Care Tips UAE:
- Choose spots with bright but indirect sunlight, such as near windows with sheer curtains.
- For indoor plant care Dubai, try east-facing windows as they provide soft morning light.
- Rotate plants occasionally to ensure even growth.
If your plant’s leaves turn yellow or have brown edges, it is a clear sign that it is getting too much direct sun.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Humidity Levels- Humidity plays a big role in plant health and proper growth. Most indoor plants come from tropical regions and love moisture in the air. Unfortunately, Dubai’s dry indoor environment, especially with air conditioning, makes it difficult for household plants to thrive. You need to understand that a little humidity goes a long way in preventing dry, crispy leaves.
How to Care for Indoor Plants in UAE:
- Mist your plants lightly every few days to increase humidity.
- Group plants together as they release moisture and create a natural humid zone.
- Use a pebble tray with water under pots to help maintain moisture.
- Avoid placing plants directly under AC vents or fans.
Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Soil- Using regular garden soil for indoor plants can be a recipe for disaster. Garden soil often compacts easily, trapping water and suffocating roots, a major reason for plant death in pots.
Plant Care Tips UAE:
- Choose soil mixes designed for your plant type, such as cactus mix for succulents, peat mix for tropical plants, etc.
- Ensure the soil drains well and doesn’t become soggy.
- Re-pot plants every 6-12 months to refresh nutrients and aerate the roots.
Always remember this golden mantra- Healthy soil = Happy roots = Thriving plants.
Mistake 5: Skipping Fertilization- Plants need food, too, just like humans. Many people forget that potted plants rely entirely on us for nutrients. Over time, the soil loses its fertility, making it harder for plants to grow. To avoid such a scenario, it is important to add essential fertilizers to your indoor plants to ensure their proper growth and development.
How to Maintain Houseplants in Dubai Climate:
- Add fertilizers every 4-6 weeks during the growing season of plants (spring and summer).
- Use balanced liquid fertilizer (like NPK 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
- Avoid fertilizing in winter when plant growth slows.
Over-fertilizing, however, can “burn” roots, so always follow the recommended dosage of various fertilizers.
Mistake 6: Not Cleaning or Pruning Plants Regularly- Dust and dead leaves can affect photosynthesis and attract pests. Infact, it is one of the most common plant care mistakes that most people often overlook. You need to understand that clean plants not only look better but also breathe and grow better.
Plant Care Tips UAE:
- Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every two weeks.
- Prune dead or yellowing leaves to ensure proper plant growth.
- For trailing plants like Money Plant, prune regularly to keep them bushy and vibrant.
Mistake 7: Choosing the Wrong Plants for Dubai’s Climate- Not every plant can handle the UAE’s extreme heat and dry air. Many delicate varieties struggle, especially in the outdoor climate. Choosing plants suited to local conditions is key to success for ensuring better plant growth and development. Further, when ordering plants online in the UAE, you need to look for species labeled “heat-tolerant” or “low-maintenance.”
Best Way to Keep Plants Alive in Hot Weather:
- Always select tough indoor plants like Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, and Money Plant.
- For Outdoor Plants, you can try Bougainvillea, Aloe Vera, or Desert Rose.
- Always check a plant’s light and temperature needs before buying.
Final Thoughts
Caring for plants in the UAE can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge about plant care tips UAE, you can get a beautiful home garden. Most common plant care mistakes happen due to small oversights, such as too much water, too little light, or unsuitable soil. Once you understand your plant’s needs and the Dubai climate, you will see your greens flourish effortlessly.
The key lies in consistency, observation, and a little love. So next time you wonder, “Why my plants are dying UAE?” just pause for a few seconds to check their light, water, and soil. You would notice that a small change can bring your dying plant back to life.
After all, every thriving leaf is proof that with care and patience, even the harshest climate can bloom with green.