10 Super Fussy Houseplants | Bad Plants for Beginners | Difficult Houseplants | Finicky Houseplants

[@Marj-x7w]

I had one Rex begonia and couldn’t stop it from dropping leaves till it was almost ‘naked’. I saw a couple of begonia experts say that these begonias like to completely dry out between waterings. I tried it and amazingly, it worked! My begonia is finally growing and not loosing leaves. I was so happy I went out and bought another one and followed the same watering pattern and this one has not had any problems at all 🎉

[@lindseyvandewege9616]

Your description of the watermelon peperomia is SO ACCURATE. I work at a garden center selling the houseplants and I always sell peperomias as beginner plants but I have to warn people about the watermelon because it is such a terror. I’ve tried and killed three over the years and then gave up. Same with the calathea ornata 😂

[@yolyrom7233]

African Violet’s are the easiest plants to manage. They’re absolutely easy to propagate. I even mist mine and I have no problems. They are always happy in my place!

[@kadinaator]

I agree, African Violet's are the easiest plants for me too. I keep them on the north facing window sill, water when the soil gets dry and that's it. Blooms galore. Now pothos on the other hand - can't make it happy :/

[@onLYbyM]

​@@kadinaatorHahaha... Complete opposite experience here... Struggling with AV and been growing Pothos and propagating it for 5yrs.

[@liteweightpup2561]

I bought a nice and full alocasia bambino a few months ago and it immediately had a fit and dropped all but two leaves. So, I repotted and found two corms to propagate as insurance in spagnum moss. Anyway, now it’s got two beautiful new leaves and two more on the way. And, one of my corms has a leaf and the other has two! Next time, I’ll try your bottle cap trick.

[@GreenWitch1]

I was out looking for specific plants one day a couple months ago & found nothing. As I was leaving, I spotted a little Fittonia. I brought it home to not go out empty handed. It had a wick in the bottom of the pot, but I didn’t put it in a reservoir. It cracked me up when it fainted 😂 I gave it a reservoir and it’s super happy. The top layer of soil stays dry, but it sucks up water like a sponge.

[@cathyspooner7093]

Lots of interesting information really pretty plants ,sounds like your plants are alot like a baby ,mine act like a spoilt brat sometimes

[@jenniferv3515]

I love Calathea and I collect them like Pokémon. I find them so rewarding to grow and actually faster growers than I expected. They’ve all been great for me except for my Pinstripe who is a demon!! I don’t know how to help her anymore. She sits with all my other ones but doesn’t behave like the others. 100% agree

[@lolastj]

I dislike Alocasias because I really love them but I can’t seem to keep them happy. I just got another one. Don’t ask me why 😂

[@imaginarydreamer]

How is the plant doing today? 🪴

[@lolastj]

@@imaginarydreamer it’s actually alive and thriving. I pulled back on watering and keep it in a brighter spot.

[@imaginarydreamer]

@@lolastj Yay!🌟

[@serenitygardenaviary]

Had to subscribe because you are hitting all the bells. Left comment about Zebra Plant at beginning of video thinking it would be my only comment. For the record... Nerve Plant, omg 😲 survived the first fainting but this Pink Angel was not for me. Struggling with English Ivy. My marantas are surviving 7 prayer plants, 1 rattlesnake, 1 peacock and 2 TrioStar Stromanthes. Queen Ann Antherium

[@AlohaPlantLife]

I want an Alocasia stingray so bad! Have you found them to be easier or harder than most of your other Alocasia?

[@serenitygardenaviary]

@@AlohaPlantLife the Stingray is the last Alocasia I would recommend to anyone. Out of 7 varieties, it is the only one to have pests. First some tiny little long black thing, later under the grow light to get it to be more erect (as recommended by WildFern) it developed spider mites. Like, WTH? It is really the most difficult but hanging in there. Neem oil and Insecticide Soap spray 🧼. Been tempted to give them away (2 plants) but haven't accepted defeat yet.

[@LeafyConversations]

Some Alocasia like Tandurusa Oh my gosh what a fuss pot! I have lost all the roots on it except 2 strong ones and a few little ones. I most likely will kill it trying to keep it alive 😢. Other Alocasia I have figured out like Cuprea, Dragon Scale, Black Velvet. The Queen loves my house (so far) and it’s living in ambient air all of my plants do. Once winter gets here, we shall see. 😅 Love your videos thank you Drea!

[@LeafyConversations]

Some Alocasia like Tandurusa Oh my gosh what a fuss pot! I have lost all the roots on it except 2 strong ones and a few little ones. I most likely will kill it trying to keep it alive 😢. Other Alocasia I have figured out like Cuprea, Dragon Scale, Black Velvet. The Queen loves my house (so far) and it’s living in ambient air all of my plants do I do have some recent short videos on how pretty one is I am worried about winter though, we shall see. 😅 How can I remove the flower when its not completely out of the stem or should I wait until I can easily cut if off? Love your videos thank you Drea!

[@onLYbyM]

Good lord, the African Violet section had me rolling on the floor from laughter 😂 I've owned a lot of plants (third world country) and last year I was able to find one at a very high price. Been struggling with it ever since. How on earth are these things popular?

[@livvvlife]

I recently got alocasia black velvet and joined two leaves club lol exactly two leaves!!!! no more no less and it is driving me INSANE!!!!! I still haven't figured out the perfect timing for watering them and the right humidity and they don't seem to like it whenever I try new thing but barely surviving in current setting....

[@onLYbyM]

Regarding watermelon Pep. An houseplants store that I frequent once received one to propagate and sell. I visited them next month in order to see if they have any new seedlings for sale and the manager told me that he couldnt keep it alive 😂... So yeah! Watermelon Pep are difficult to keep alive.. This is coming from a man who owns a houseplants shop.

[@kevinmoore4237]

*QUESTION:* (Thanks for your channel - you're fantastically knowledgeable and articulate.) Since I started using distilled water to water my plants, I've had a massive improvement in terms of any kind of leaf problems, so I'm completely sold on avoiding tap water, but is there a problem with tap water vapors in the air when you shower in hot tap water? I notice some experts say to leave tap water out overnight so the chlorine et al can evaporate, and other experts saying this isn't enough (I agree), but to the extent that contaminants are released into the air by evaporation, is that bad for sensitive houseplants? I guess another way to ask it is whether the added humidity benefits are cancelled out by potential gases released into the air.

[@scottgalbreath5707]

The Watermelon Peperomia we had, wasn't happy with it. Very finicky and it had misshapen, deformed leaves. We ended up tossing it out. Haven't bought one since.

[@amandaamanda5398]

If you live in tropical area, you'd feel all these plants are extremely easy-going. I throw my plants onto open balcony and use app-controlled automatic watering system to water them everyday, and they all thrive.😆 Just don't use the most common peat or coco based potting mix, which don't work well with tropical plants and easily lead to root rot. Use pine bark, sand, pine needles, sphagnum moss, etc., instead, according to their preferences.

[@TheAegis1000]

Actually, African Violets aren't really fussy, just particular. Their humidity and temperature needs are the same as ours, and they grow well in standard houseplant potting mix ... with a bit more Perlite added. They need to be watered as needed (i.e. when the soil dries) and can't be allowed to sit in water (i.e. when the soil is saturated). You can give them bright light (sunlight or artificial) and they'll grow and bloom for you.

[@jadex38]

My struggles were with Prayer plant-So beautiful BUT never again!😏

[@Grape_Fever]

Ive found rex begonias to be easy to keep alive without humidity being high. They definitely want watered before becoming bone dry but like to dry out before watering. Again violets are the same. Make sure when they dry out water them. Dont get water on the leaves and youre fine

[@cathyspooner7093]

Omg so many fussy plants ill stick to spiderplants wandering jews motherin law tounge thkg and xmas catcus prayer plants and pothos ,i also have a dragon tree

[@lisasteuck5254]

Do you trim off the really crispy leaves? And if you do, do you snip at the top where the leaf is or at the base?

[@serenitygardenaviary]

Omg 😲 🦓 never again. 🚫 Aphelandra nunca jamás

[@MrStarofTruth]

Yes these plants are some work i noticed mine like bottled water if i give them faucet water i notice a change ...

[@Paula-sw2tt]

Maidenhair fern is the most difficult plant for me.

[@tessie7e777]

Really enjoyed this video. I actually exclaimed aloud when you said the Aluminum plant because nowhere else have I heard anyone talk about my experience! And 100% agree about the fitonias- so dramatic! Knock on wood I’m finally keeping a couple orchids (gifted) alive and good gracious a second blooming!! But, I’d definitely rate orchids as difficult. Funnily enough my pinstripe Calathea is doing fine, but my Orbifolia is my challenge. Fun to compare notes!

[@claudiatorres9936]

I also have alocasias outside in the semi desertic heat of south Texas, and they are giving me 2 foot long leaves. Don't know what I did or if it's just competing against its neighbors, some 12 feet tall birds of paradise. They're north facing, but I believe our goldfish pond gives them the humidity they want. I also think it has alot to do with where we live, I watch alot of plant youtubers and they'll be like "such an easy plant" but mine is on its last leg no matter how much I baby it. But then they'll be complaining about ones that grow like weeds in my place. Oh well, I still love to watch all the beautiful plants everyone has.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

It’s definitely somewhat conditional. My outdoor alocasia (in ground) haven’t grown back in yet this year for some reason sadly

[@mahsamoadeli5294]

It's my first year doing indoor gardening and I now own 50 of them, 7 of which are calathea and seem to be doing well. I bought a humidifier as per every youtubers recommendation. Now winter's come, and my humidity is around 80% here in London. Guess I won't need to use the humidifier. Question though. Isn't 80 a bit steep? Should I be dehumidifying at this point?

[@AlohaPlantLife]

80% when it comes to your plants is not too steep. They are going to love that. But it could be too steep for just your home in general. You don’t wanna start having mold developing on your wood surfaces or walls if you know what I mean. But talking about mold in general, with humidity levels that high you are gonna want to make sure you have good air circulation going on. So if you have ceiling fans, running those periodically throughout the day, or investing in some small floor fans would be a good idea.

[@tessie7e777]

I put my African Violets in South facing window in a grouping to share humidity. They are all in special African Violet pots that semi-self water, and then to get them to bloom I give them a drizzle of water with African Violet food every week. As long as I do all those things, all is well. If I skip any of it, all bets are off! 🤪

[@AlohaPlantLife]

I have a coworker who has African violet’s under a single little grow light in her cubicle that is no where near a window and every time I’m at the office I go to see how they’re doing and they look amazing. I’m always like, “How is this possible??”

[@c.h9976]

I was surprised to see the watermelon peperomia on this list because it's my happiest houseplant. Pep lives in my ensuite next to the sink which is very bright and probably gets a little bit of direct sun but not much. All that said, I'm in Australia but in Brisbane which is way more humid than Sydney.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Every time I see someone post a gorgeous watermelon peperomia they live in Australia lol. That plant loves it there it seems💚

[@ladyhagaming]

love my orchids , they are not that difficult , its just making sure that you use the right medium for your invoment and that the roots gets enough air. plus dont over water them

[@SparkleInMoonlight]

100 % agree. I´d add Calathea White Fusion too and then it would be (at least for me) complete :-) Watermelon peperomia: I tried everything thinkable and the leaves still keep cracking, so I finally gave up :-D She grows many leaves, llooks healthy, but looks like being eaten :-) (and yes, I sprayed for pests many times too and it´s not it). I wish I knew what the plant wants

[@novathewomanking9675]

You have a beautiful collection girl! Beaaautiful! I have the striped Calathia as well. She was throwing a hissy fit, no direct light, just on my window 😀😀😀 Now it's happy on the top floor of my home, under skyroof. It's doing very well! And guess what!? I'm a beginner 2 months in😀😀😀

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Thank you, and that’s awesome! Sounds like you are off to an excellent start in your plant journey 💚

[@imaginarydreamer]

I was waiting for that watermelon boy 😂 I decided to cut mine back completely because I was sick of his drama Other plants I would add to this list: Strobilanthes (thirsty af, needs super bright light from every angle) Xanthosoma "Mickey Mouse" (Two leaf club. Doesn't like being alive in general) Hypoestes/polka dot plant (Needy af on all fronts) Peperomia in general (Oh, you touched me? I'm gonna drop all my leaves now kthxbye :)

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Lol!

[@onLYbyM]

I have a Peperomia Magnofiilia for 4yrs now.. Flowered and all... Even have it in the least lighting section of my house. It is hands down one of the easiest to care.. Along with Pothos.

[@janekiceniuk1578]

I seem to rescue first & then find out its a big effort. There's a reason why someone tossed it.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

😂

[@scottgalbreath5707]

We have a few African Violets and I have even propagated a few as well. I don't let them fully dry out, I keep them in a south/southeast facing window and a well draining soil. I even rinse my plants when I water them, never had issues with their leaves getting wet. One plant I will say that has given me the least of problems

[@onLYbyM]

Did you just say you RINSE YOUR AFRICAN VIOLET? If my African Violet heard you she probably would pass out on the spot😂 If a DROP gets into a leaf, the spot will be burned for the rest of the leaf life.

[@anitajones7090]

I cracked up when you said Alocasia. I have four (Dragon Scale, Black Velvet, Bambino, and Polly). They are tricky in deed. And I have more than two leaves on all except the Black Velvet. I also have a Rex Bigonia, and she is my pride and joy. The Fittonia you definitely got it right. I have tried and tried with that plant AND the Watermelon Pepperomia . I surrender 🏳for me the plants I find most difficult are succulents or cactus. Like I don’t know what I am supposed to do with those. So they always end up dying on me because I over watering 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@AlohaPlantLife]

You’re like my sister, over-loving the plants that want to be left alone lol. I think of cacti and succulents as kinda like kids when they hit that age where they want nothing to do with their parents and get very upset when you fuss over them especially in front of their friends. But then eventually they need you for something and sheepishly come asking. So just leave cacti and succulents alone until their soil is completely dried out and they start to look a little bit pruny and feel a little bit squishy then water them again.

[@anitajones7090]

Great advice 💚

[@noeltimberlake165]

Persian shield my goodness they're crazy fussy

[@msscamp100]

Thanks for the heads up! I have one on a wish list.

[@noeltimberlake165]

@@msscamp100 If you must have one, they have them at Wal-Mart for cheap and are best kept outside.

[@msscamp100]

@@noeltimberlake165 Thank you, but I don't need any 'crazy fussy' plants. I have enough 'crazy fussy' things in my life already! 😂

[@scottgalbreath5707]

My alocasia collection does quite well, my wife isn't a big fan of the plants because of the leaves dying off in the winter but from a lot of the videos and research I've done that's completely normal. The flowers I typically cut off because the plant will concentrate more of its energy into the flower vs production of new leaves. The Zebra plant has been my nemesis, very stubborn and very dramatic plant. The lighting and watering is very tough to get right. Ours is still alive but I have been trying to water it before it gets too dry. Here in Calgary Alberta Canada our humidity is a lot lower however our plants do exceptionally well in our downstairs south/southeast east facing window and our north/north western facing window.

[@silviap4478]

I totally agree on the topic of Calathea. I got them as a beginner and I never had a problem with them. I am an overwaterer, so they are not complaining too much. They get direct afternoon to evening sun in the warmer months and they love it and push out so much growth. And that root growth is insane. For me the fussiest is the picturata. I don't know if you have this, it has velvety undersides, but they are smooth on top. Very interesting. Also recommend to buy Calatheas as baby plants, it's so much easier to acclimate them to your conditions. And then as long as they don't change too much, they are happy

[@KathyGallagher01]

I have had a peperomia argyreia for a few years now, I’ve tried and tried every leaf was deformed, new leaves were growing but had had enough, Today she went to plant heaven, sad to see her go she was one of my first plant babies but can only take so much lol.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

I totally understand 💚

[@yolyrom7233]

“Plant Heaven” 😂

[@scottgalbreath5707]

We also have a rattle snake calathea, and that plant hasn't been very problematic. We also have a couple of Marantas and Ctenanthe those have all been fine as well. We had to move one from our bathroom downstairs because the bathroom wasn't warm enough even though we have a skylight. It got repotted and we had to trim off a bunch of dead leaves at the bottom because the leaves weren't getting enough light. Basically so thick and bushy.

[@stacyadam2284]

I love my zebra plant and it became one of my favorites as soon as I found out how needy it is. 😅 if you don’t already, try using filtered, RO, rain, treated (dechlorinated), or freshwater aquarium water. I find it doesn’t care for tap water and will show you some brown tips from it.

[@scottgalbreath5707]

I do agree and I have mentioned it on other channels regarding house plants, some plants just do so well and thrive better in certain environments and climates vs others. Bare in mind, houseplants come from controlled environments, greenhouses, etc.. Our homes sadly aren't controlled environments and fluctuate often. Some plants acclimate just fine and others just can't and no matter what we do and try it just doesn't make the plant happy. I would strongly suggest doing a lot of reading and research regarding environments and climates and try and adapt your plant collection accordingly.

[@elminx1]

It must just be a "me" thing but I think African violets are soooooo easy. I got one as a beginner (I'd really only cared for spider plants prior) and I have had zero probelms with it whatsoever. I swear the secret is just don't get the leaves wet. I don't give it extra humidity and my house is quite low in the Winter from forced air heat and she blooms all through the winter under my growlights.

[@barbarahite176]

I put my Aluminum plants and Fittonia inside empty cheese ball containers, and they're finally thriving. Only problem is that they are outgrowing the containers.

[@mydogmyplantsandme]

I have one of the alocasia shields in a south facing window over the winter. I also have newer windows that has a higher UV protection than normal windows, I have sever sun sensitivity. One of my 2 leaves had a point burn that ended up getting about a quarter-inch to a half-inch wide. I put up mosquito netting on the window and it seems to be doing fairly well now. Unfortunately, I did lose that leaf. So I only have one right now but I'm getting a new one! I'm still in that 2 Leaf Club! 🤣

[@judywilliams1863]

I have a lot of orchids and all live in orchid bark only. No soil and water with rain water. I do fertilize and make a weak solution. Once once a week. Soak instead of bottom or top watering.

[@nhabjoka]

Love African Violets and pin stripe Calatheas.. 💜💚💚💜

[@MeTimePlants]

I enjoyed the video, I have over 200 plants and I haven’t been able to keep a orchid alive yet. I may try again. 😂

[@cindywannamaker5299]

I have just one begonia. I manage to keep alive just barely in winter and then it goes outside. Grows into a beast on my patio!

[@musicalmarion]

I agree with most of these, except Boston Fern and Begonias. I am an under-waterer and I usually use tap water. unless it's a Calathia! I'm not getting into all that filtering, I've not needed to. I don't have any issues with Begonias usually. I have lost some on occasion due to my cold kitchen, so I'd agree with the temperature but have kept one huge grey kalaidoscope for several years without issues. I just bought yet another Watermelon.... fingers crossed but I'm not too hopeful...

[@AlohaPlantLife]

I finally gave up on the watermelon peperomia lol

[@davidhalley9795]

House plants have a been a challenge moving to the west coast. I'm on my second zebra plant. It was very easy back east with good amount of humidity. After dropping some leaves somehow I've kept it alive (with no crispy leaves). I do keep the soil moist. However, I'm just heartbroken I somehow neglected my red fittonia and it completely collapsed. I'm hoping it recovers in the morning. Its green brother is doing well. All I know with the warm weather these guys do better.

[@davidhalley9795]

Good news! I lost a few leaves but it came back. 🙏🏾

[@leslieparsons408]

Some orchids are finicky, but most of my orchids are really easy. The grow medium is not complicated and you can mix at home with just a few ingredients. Problems with orchids occur when they are not given the right conditions.....just like any plant! However, there are a huge number that can grow happily, right along with your other houseplants.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Do you have any jewel orchids? Those are my favorite from an appearance standpoint but I’ve heard they can be even more finicky than other varieties…

[@coleDavis-df5yi]

Love orchids, but can’t keep one alive past a year.

[@cathyspooner7093]

Your very good at explaining things

[@mynala110]

Love your videos! Just found your channel. Funny enough fittinias and Valerie’s ornate grow like weeds in humid terrariums and vivariums. Used a lot in frog vivariums. I have had a fittonia in an enclosed vase for 3 years and never watered it and it is doing among my well. 😂

[@AlohaPlantLife]

😯That’s crazy!

[@kathleenwarner4046]

Great video! So many great tips. Surprisingly, I finally succeeded with African violets despite them getting full morning sun, in ordinary soil mix and top watering.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Awesome!💚

[@kimberlyfitz-fagan5023]

I love these videos ♥️ so helpful and informative!! Thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos ♥️

[@AlohaPlantLife]

You are so welcome!💚

[@blairfjeld5116]

Can I ask if self watering plants would work for plants like these?

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Maybe, I don’t have much experience with self watering planters, but only way to find out for sure would be to give it a try.

[@kristiemowry3267]

I have my begonia and african violets in self watering pots and that solves the problem. I am going to try them with my white fusion next. It has been in a terrarium for a year and is doing great in there, but when outside in 50% humidity its white leaf areas just dried up. My ornata is loving where it is right now and looks great......so far.

[@yolyrom7233]

I use Leca for my orchid’s, and most of my plant’s including my aroid’s, all doing quite well. Leca is very similar to self watering. Js

[@elizabethroy1079]

I can't disagree more about African violets. I have no trouble growing them. I just stick them in a window and I water them from the top also. The plants bloom occasionally and, yes, I could improve upon that. I just disagree that they are superpicky.

[@AlohaPlantLife]

Well no plant is going to be difficult for EVERYONE so these were just some plants that tend to be fussy for the majority of people. Of course, then there are people like you who have no problems whatsoever with some of them and leave everyone else green with envy over how easy you make it look💚

[@elizabethroy1079]

@Aloha Plant Life Oh, thanks for your reply! You are right about some plants growing better for some people. It probably is the environment or something. We don't all have the best environment for every plant. Love your videos!

[@onLYbyM]

I probably own +12 kinds of houseplants and my AV is hands down the most dramatic.

[@mialilly2609]

Zebra plants are so so annoying. They are such a pest magnet don’t know if that’s just me. I got it 2 years ago and it’s never not had some sort of bugs. I get rid of them just to get them again. Never getting this plant again no way I hate it

[@AlohaPlantLife]

My big one had mealy bugs that I didn’t know about when I first got it but I was able to eradicate them pretty quickly with just a qtip soaked in rubbing alcohol and I haven’t had a problem since (knock on wood)