Everyone is watering their house plants wrong - correct way has blown people's minds

A gardener has taken to TikTok to share his tip for keeping your houseplants alive and it's left many shocked at how wrong they were watering their plants

Looking after houseplants is one of the first major responsibilities people have as they transition into adulthood, whether it be when move into their first home or away to university, and it's something people pride themselves on as they grow older.

It's not something that takes a lot of time but can often be forgotten. But when you do it, it's usually a quick and simple job. That's what many thought until one gardener left plant owners shocked after revealing the proper way to look after your houseplants and water them.

One Australian gardener believes we've all been making a common error that could be affecting the life of our beloved lilies, dracaena, ferns, palms, or other plants.

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In a TikTok video that has amassed more than 24,000 likes, @garden2table.australia demonstrated exactly what people should be doing. He warned plant lovers to avoid spraying water over the foliage as it can lead to sunburnt leaves when the sun eventually pops it head out.

It's because the moist droplets act as a tiny magnifying glasses which can damage the leaves when the sun shines through them. The droplets can focus the light onto the leaf and the intense light and heat can damage or kill the leaf cells, making them turn brown or yellow. The damaged spots develop similar to how our skin can burn in the sun if we're outside without protection for too long, especially if the plant is watered during the hottest part of the day, the Daily Express reports.

The Aussie expert explained that for better results, and a reduced risk of damaging the leaves, people should pour the water into the soil below. He added: "Water like this to keep foliage dry and avoid sunburnt leaves."

In the caption, they added: "I learnt this watering tip the hard way." TikTok users were left stunned by the clip as they took to the comments to give their opinions.

One user said: "Watering the wrong way is so satisfying," while another added: "That’s why we water at 4-5pm."