Overwatered a friend's Monstera and learned a hard lesson

I was house sitting for my neighbor in Denver and figured I'd be helpful by watering her big Monstera every day. After two weeks the leaves turned yellow and the stem got all mushy near the soil. Turns out I was drowning it, she told me Monsteras need the soil to dry out between waterings. Now I stick my finger in the dirt first before I water anything at home. Has anyone else killed a plant by being too nice to it?

3 comments

3 Comments

jana_shah1mo ago

Stick my finger in the dirt first" - I did that with a cactus once and still overwatered it, haha.

keith9001mo agoMost Upvoted

Did you actually feel for moisture in the soil or just stick your finger in and hope for the best?

jakejones1mo ago

Isn't it funny how being "helpful" can backfire like that? @keith900, I think it's like that thing where people overdo kindness in other areas too, like giving too much advice or buying too many gifts, lol.