From ice cubes to cinnamon: 6 simple houseplant hacks that keep your plants thriving

Here are six easy houseplant hacks using common household items like ice cubes, cinnamon and more. These will keep indoor plants healthy with minimal effort.

Keeping houseplants alive seems easy until you actually try doing it. Some plants dry out overnight, others stay soggy for a week, and some just sit there looking dead and dry for reasons nobody understands. But a few small, everyday tricks can make the whole thing feel less like guesswork.

Cooled coffee grounds can act as a fertilizer for indoor plants.(Representative image/Unsplash)

To solve all these issues, here are the hacks real plant owners use - the kind that just make life with indoor plants a whole lot easier, as per Birds and Blooms.

1. Water with ice cubes for slow, clean hydration

If you tend to overwater or you have had soil gush out the bottom of pots, this hack is a lifesaver. Drop a few cubes on top of the soil and let them melt slowly so the plant drinks at its own pace. It prevents spills and any soggy mess.

2. Play with placement, not just pots

Some plants want sun; others sulk in it. Set a long table partly in the sun and partly in shade so all your plants get exactly what they need without scattering pots around the house. It is a simple fix that gives a big payoff.

3. Feed plants with leftover coffee grounds

Morning coffee does not just wake you up. Add some cooled coffee grounds to plants every once in a while and watch them perk right up. It is free fertilizer and takes only a few seconds.

4. Rotate weekly for better growth

If your plant is leaning like it is trying to escape, it is a sign. Give your plants a quarter-turn every week. That little spin helps them grow evenly and stops them from twisting toward the light.

5. Let the rain do the work

Put your smaller pots outside during a warm, light rain. They bounce back almost instantly. You can also collect rainwater, preserve it, and use it year-round. Houseplants respond better to it than tap water, and you will see the difference.

6. Add cinnamon to the soil

One of the simplest hacks on the list: cinnamon. Just sprinkle a tiny bit onto the soil to prevent powdery mildew. It not only nourishes your plant and prevents mildew, but also keeps other insects and pests away.