YOUR GARDENING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

During our Instagram Live indoor gardening class on January 22, 2026, y’all asked so many thoughtful questions about houseplant care.

That comment section moves SO quickly during our live events, and sometimes it’s hard for Tommy to keep up. Luckily, my team grabbed screenshots of all of your questions that you asked in the comment section, so we could come back and answer you later!

Keep reading to find the answer to all your house plant questions in this indoor gardening edition of ASK CARMEN…

Indoor Plant Q&A from Our January 22 Instagram Live

I’ve gathered the plant care questions here and answered them in one place so you can easily reference them as you care for your plants at home!

Do palms need a lot of sun?

Most palms prefer bright, indirect light. A few can tolerate lower light, but growth will slow and foliage may thin. Avoid harsh direct sun indoors, which can scorch the leaves, especially in winter.

Should you ever trim the brown tips on palms?

Yes. You can trim brown tips for appearance, just follow the natural shape of the leaf and use clean scissors. Brown tips are often caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer.

Are brown tips on peace lilies caused by the same thing?

Often yes. Peace lilies get brown tips from dry air, inconsistent watering, or mineral buildup. They appreciate evenly moist soil and higher humidity.

What causes prayer plant leaves to turn yellow?

Yellowing leaves are usually a watering issue. Prayer plants dislike soggy soil but also do not want to dry out completely. Check drainage and adjust watering, and be sure the plant is not sitting in water.

What about pothos plants where a few leaves turn completely yellow?

This is usually normal aging or overwatering. If the plant otherwise looks healthy, simply remove the yellow leaves and monitor watering habits using a moisture meter.

I have a pothos that is over 40 years old. Any special care?

That is AMAZING!! Tommy did tell me about this during the live but I didn’t follow up about care. Older pothos benefit from occasional pruning, fresh soil every few years, bright indirect light, and consistent watering. They are tough plants and often thrive with simple care.

What are my favorite houseplant accessories?

Here are the Top 3 links to specific products that you all asked for during the LIVE event:
Copper plant saucers and trays
Plant humidifier
Decorative planters & pots from Walmart
If you want to see all of my favorite house plant accessories, click here:

tap here for all my favs!

Should you cut brown edges on fiddle leaf fig or monstera leaves?

Yes, you can trim brown edges if they bother you visually. Follow the leaf’s natural outline and avoid cutting into healthy green tissue. Address the cause, usually watering or humidity, so it does not continue.

When should you trim a fiddle leaf fig?

The best time is during active growth, typically spring or early summer. Light pruning can be done any time if needed to remove damaged leaves.

Do you trim dead stems on ZZ plants even if they look bare afterward?

Yes. Removing dead stems helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth. ZZ plants are slow but steady, and new growth will eventually fill in.

What about angel ferns and other ferns?

Most indoor ferns like bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. They do not like to dry out completely and appreciate higher humidity.

Are maidenhair ferns indoor or outdoor plants?

They can be both, but indoors they need bright indirect light, steady moisture, and high humidity. They are beautiful but particular.

How often do you water maidenhair ferns?

Water when the soil surface just begins to dry. Do not let them dry out completely, and make sure excess water can drain freely.

What about regular ferns. Do they like being root bound?

Most ferns prefer to be slightly snug in their pots, but not severely root bound. If water runs straight through or growth slows, it may be time to repot.

What about oxalis?

Oxalis prefers bright light and evenly moist soil. It may go dormant at times, which is normal. Reduce watering during dormancy and resume when new growth appears.

How do you water plants when ferns and orchids are grouped together?

Water based on the plant’s needs, not the grouping. Orchids prefer to dry slightly between waterings, while ferns like more consistent moisture. Individual pots with good drainage help manage this.

Is watering orchids with ice cubes a good idea?

It can work for some people, but I prefer room temperature water. Orchids are tropical plants and cold water can stress the roots.

Why do orchid leaves look shriveled but the plant is still alive?

This usually points to root issues or inconsistent watering. Check roots for health and adjust watering so the plant stays hydrated without sitting in water.

What causes fungus gnats even when you are not overwatering?

Gnats are attracted to moist organic matter. Improve air circulation, allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly, and consider these sticky traps for fungus gnats to reduce adults. I also like Kate’s Garden Plant Spray for Gnats, which is non-toxic and safe to use around pets.

Do you keep these plants indoors only during winter?

Most houseplants can go outdoors during warm months if acclimated slowly and protected from direct sun (like a screened-in porch) and harsh weather. I love to take my plants outside when it’s raining in the warmer months to give them a quick shower and let them soak up the rainwater! Bring them back inside before temperatures drop.