5 Signs You're Overthinking Plant Care (And How to Relax)

Have you ever found yourself overthinking over a yellow leaf and wondering, “Is this overwatering or underwatering? Does it need water? Is this normal?” You’re just like the rest of us, plant friend! It's something I've done many, many times, and I know it's something that people in our community do all the time. We all want to get it right, but overthinking plant care can suck the joy right out of it. But in 2025, we need as much joy and as little stress as possible. So here are 5 signs you might be overthinking your plant care and how to fix it! In this episode, we learn: [02:57] Common overthinking traps in plant care [03:54] Five tips to stop overthinking plant care [04:33] Sign #1: You Google every little thing [09:34] Sign #2: You’re watering on a rigid schedule (and believing plant care cards) [12:55] Alternative to a finger test [14:10] Sign #3: You panic over every yellow leaf [15:37] Grow healthier plants, indoors and out, with Espoma Organic’s premium products! [18:06] Sign #4: You throw the ‘kitchen sink approach’ at small issues [19:40] Sign #5: You think you need to be a 'perfect' plant parent [23:34] How to relax & enjoy your plants more Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass - use code OVERTHINK to get it for $ 49 Moisture Meter Growing Joy Episode 276: Houseplant Confidence: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Want to lessen your stress over plant care? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic Lessen you're overthinking, make sure you're using nontoxic products on your houseplants! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.