Most houseplants don't die of thirst — they drown. You love them, you water them, and the roots rot quietly at the bottom of the pot.

Water the soil, not the calendar

"Every seven days" is a starting point, not a rule. Stick a finger in the soil. Dry two knuckles deep? Now you water.

Watch the leaves

Yellow, soft leaves mean too much. Crisp brown edges mean too little. Your plant is talking the whole time.