Did you know that Ohio is one of the cloudiest states in the US? It’s number 8 out of the top ten according to Farmer’s Almanac. According to that article we see 63-68 days of sun annually. I think it must be sunny more days than that but I’m an optimistic kind of gal.

All of those days of low light make it really hard on houseplants.

And I do love my plants.

During the seasons with less sunshine the plants get moved in front of this big picture window. This photo was taken during a late snow and after many of the plants have moved to areas that get more sunlight in the summer months.

As I was watering the houseplants this morning I counted 23. I lost two this winter due to lack of sunshine.

Needless to say, succulents don’t really do very well for me.

#1 Secret for Happy Houseplants

So what is my big secret for keeping my houseplants healthy and happy even though I live in a very cloudy state?

Fish!

We’ve had a number of beta fish over the years. As well as houseplants.

And I swear they are the perfect combo.

Betas are super easy to care for and they make great plant water.

When I clean out the fish bowls I use the old water to water my plants. I just pour it from the bowl into a watering can and then water my plants. Sometimes I dilute it with tap water but most times it’s just straight fishy water.

No, it doesn’t smell bad. 

It gives my plants a very gentle bit of fertilizing every time I water. They seem to LOVE it.

And I don’t waste the water.

So even in the winter when my plants aren’t getting all of the sunshine they might like they are getting a very mild fertilizer. I get a clean fish bowl and a I love watching the fish swim around.

The best part is that when it’s time for my plants to bloom I usually get TONS of blooms because the plants are healthy and happy.

Can’t beat that!