7 Reasons Why Your Herbs Are Dying (and How to Fix It Once and for All)

Did you buy fresh basil, put it on your windowsill, and after a week it looked like a dinosaur remains?

You're not a bad grower - you're just making the same mistakes as 90% of people. And the worst part is, you don't even know what exactly you're doing wrong.

After reading this article, you won't have to buy herbs at the store every week. You'll learn exactly what's killing your plants, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to fix it.

Photo: Young woman holding a plant making a nervous gesture. Source: freepik.com

 

REASON #1 – LACK OF LIGHT

❌ Problem: Herbs need 6-8 hours of light a day. A north-facing window is not enough.

Symptoms:

·      Pale leaves

·      Stems stretched towards the window (the plant stretches for light)

·      Slow growth or no growth

·      Small leaves without an intense scent

✓ Solution:

·      Move plants to a south-facing window – a south or southwest orientation is ideal.

·      Use an LED grow light – it costs from €15, but the effect is immediate

·      Smart flower pots have integrated lighting - they solve the problem automatically, turning on according to the intensity of the ambient light

💡 Tip: If you see the stems growing diagonally towards the window, the plant is screaming "I NEED LIGHT!"

REASON #2 – SPILLAGE (THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF EXTINCTION)

❌ Problem: You think "the more water, the better". The opposite is true.

Symptoms:

·      Yellow leaves (not green with brown edges – that’s drought)

·      Root rot, plant pulls out easily

·      Mold on the surface of the soil (white or green layer)

·      Wet substrate even days after watering

·      Smell – roots are rotting

✓ Solution:

·      Water only when the top layer of soil is dry – check with your finger (stick 2-3 cm deep)

·      The flower pot must have drainage holes - water must not stand at the bottom

·      Pour out excess water from the bottom saucer – never let the plant stand in water

·      Use a moisture meter or a smart planter with a humidity sensor – accurate measurement eliminates guesswork

💡 Tip: It's better to under-water than over-water. Plants will tell you when they need water with wilted leaves - that's your signal.

REASON #3 – POOR WATER DRAINAGE

❌ Problem: Flower pot without drainage holes = plant death through root rot.

Symptoms:

·      Standing water at the bottom of the container

·      Smell of rot at the root

·      The plant dies even if you water it properly

✓ Solution:

·      Buy a pot with drainage holes – never grow in a closed container

·      Use a layer of pebbles on the bottom – this will ensure drainage even with densely packed soil

·      Smart solutions have separate water tanks + drainage of excess water into a collection container - no risk of drowned roots

REASON #4 – INCORRECT TEMPERATURE

❌ Problem: Basil by the window in winter + heating on full = plant stress.

Symptoms:

·      Leaves turn black in cold weather (below 15 °C)

·      They dry out in hot weather (above 28°C)

·      Slow growth during temperature fluctuations

·      The leaves are curling, wilting

✓ Solution:

·      Maintain a stable temperature of 18-24 °C

·      Avoid direct contact with radiators/air conditioners.

·      Don't move plants near an open window in winter - drafts are a killer

·      Smart flower pots monitor temperature and alert you to extremes in the app

REASON #5 – NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY

❌ Problem: The plant has sucked all the nutrients out of the substrate and is now starving.

Symptoms:

·      Pale leaves (not pale from lack of light – here they are yellow-green)

·      Slow growth

·      Small leaves despite plenty of light

·      Loss of taste and smell

✓ Solution:

·      Fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks during the growth phase (spring-summer)

·      Don't overdo it – more ≠ better – overfertilizing will burn the roots

·      Use a specialized fertilizer for herbs or vegetables

·      Smart systems monitor the level of nutrients in the substrate - you will receive a notification when fertilization is needed

REASON #6 – BAD SUBSTRATE

Photo: A woman transplants a plant with the right substrate. Source: freepik.com

 

❌ Problem: Classic garden soil is too dense for flower pots.

Symptoms:

·      The soil becomes a hard crust after watering

·      Water does not seep in, it stands on the surface

·      The roots are suffocating

·      The plant dies for no apparent reason

✓ Solution:

·      Buy a quality substrate for houseplants (€5-10 at gardening stores)

·      Recommended medium: Vermiculite or peat (better drainage)

·      Smart systems often use hydroponics – no soil, just nutrients in water (optimal for indoor growing)

 

REASON #7 – CHOOSING THE WRONG HERBS

Photo: Dissatisfied young gardener. Source: freepik.com

 

❌ Problem: You bought rosemary for a dark bathroom. No, it won't work.

Symptoms:

·      The plant dies even though you do everything according to the instructions

·      Never catches on, always looks weak

✓ Solution: Choose the right herb for your conditions

·      Basil = heat + light + humidity

·      Rosemary = dryness + light + cold in winter

·      Mint = humidity + partial shade OK

·      Chives = light + moderate humidity

·      Smart solutions have preset plant profiles in the application - you select the type and the system automatically sets the parameters

BONUS – HOW TO STOP FIGHTING AND START ENJOYING GROWING

If you're tired of monitoring humidity, light, and temperature daily, there's an easier solution: automation.

ANTIK Smart flower pot PG02 solves all 7 problems at once:

✓ Integrated LED lighting (automatic switching on according to light intensity)

✓ Automatic watering (2-liter tank + humidity sensor)

✓ Drainage of excess water (no root rot)

✓ Monitoring temperature, humidity, substrate fertility

✓ Pre-set plant profiles in the app

✓ Phone alerts for critical values

👉 Want to know if it's worth it? Go to the detailed comparison: Smart vs. classic cultivation - Is the investment worth it?

 

CONCLUSION

Growing herbs doesn't have to be frustrating. Most problems arise from simple mistakes that are easy to fix.

Either learn to monitor conditions manually, or rely on smart technology to do it for you.

🌿 Are you tired of killing plants?

Check out the ANTIK Smart flower pot PG02 – automation that works even when you're not at home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Why are my herbs dying even though I water them properly?

The problem could be lack of light, poor drainage, or unsuitable substrate. Plants need more than just water.

How do I know if my plant is getting too little light?

Pale leaves, stretched stems towards the window, and slow growth are clear signals of insufficient lighting.

Can I use a regular light bulb instead of a grow light?

No. Classic light bulbs don't have the right spectrum for photosynthesis. You need a full-spectrum LED.

How often to fertilize herbs in an apartment?

Once every 2-3 weeks during the growth phase (spring-summer). In winter, once a month or not at all is enough.

Is it worth investing in a smart flower pot?

If you want to grow without the stress and guesswork of whether a plant needs water/light, yes. Automation is especially beneficial for busy people. You can find a detailed comparison in our article on smart vs. classic growing.