We asked experts about the hardest houseplants to kill

Both Sabharwal and Sterling cite overwatering as the most common mistake people make that causes houseplants to die.

To protect against overwatering, Sabharwal recommends pots with drainage, especially if you are a new plant parent. “Excess water often clogs the bottom of pots without drainage and can cause plant roots to rot. If there are drainage holes, you should water your plants generously each time until the water starts to run out the bottom. Leave the plant.” Collect the contents of the flow tray and discard the rest after a few hours.

Sterling touts EasyPlant's signature self-watering potting system as a natural solution. “Customers don’t have to worry about overwatering.” Additionally, Sterling points out people’s bad habit of starving plants of light.

“Many people think that poor light means their plant will thrive and continue to grow, even if it only receives an hour or two of light per day.” She explains, “In fact, most tropical houseplants can adapt to less than ideal natural lighting conditions, but still need a consistent light source.”