Houseplants bring beautiful life into our homes but just like any living thing, they can face challenges as they grow. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common and normal houseplant ailments and pass along some possible solutions to nurse your greenery back to good health.
Yellow Leaves
Diagnosis: Yellowing leaves near the top of your plant can signal many things including overwatering, under watering, or nutrient deficiencies.
Remedy: Consider adjusting your watering routine to ensure it aligns with your plant's needs - some prefer to dry out and some like to stay moist. Make sure your pot has drainage so excess moisture isn’t trapped in the soil.
Is the green color just fading away? Explore some fertilizing options to give your plant a boost of nutrients.
Pro-tip: do you notice small leaves at the bottom of your plant yellowing? Don’t worry! Those are the oldest on the plant and they will head out to give the plant more energy for new growth! Leave them be or trim them off - your choice!
Brown Tips
Diagnosis: Browning or curling tips are often a sign of dry air or inconsistent watering.
Remedy: Increase the humidity in the air around your plant either with a humidifier or a pebble tray. Try to keep a consistent watering schedule so the plant knows when to expect its next soak.
Drooping or Wilting
Diagnosis: Overwatering, underwatering, or root issues can lead to drooping stems and leaves
Remedy: Adjust your watering habits and reassess. The leaves can either be weighed down with too much moisture or unable to support themselves if there is not enough. Check your soil and see what your plant is asking for. Check for root rot by inspecting the roots - healthy roots are firm and typically white or light brown in color.
Leggy Stems
Diagnosis: Sparse foliage and long, stretched-out stems suggest inadequate light.
Remedy: Move your plant to a brighter location or offer an alternative light source. You can prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth!
Most plants will naturally grow towards their source of light so if it’s only coming from one direction, be sure to rotate your plant occasionally to keep it nicely rounded.
