As indoor gardeners, we often face challenges when caring for our beloved plants. If you’ve noticed signs of stress in your plant, we’re here to help identify the underlying cause and offer guidance on restoring its health!
Aging
Plants, like all living beings, undergo natural aging processes. As they mature, older leaves (near the base of the plant and stems) may yellow or drop off. This is typically simply part of the plant’s growth cycle and not a cause for concern! To support aging plants, ensure they receive proper care, including regular watering, sufficient lighting, and the occasional pruning to remove older foliage.
Over & Under Watering
One of the most common issues faced by indoor gardeners is improper watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, while underwatering can cause wilting leaves and nutrient deficiencies. Check the soil moisture regularly and water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. It’s important to remember, the chances of a plant dying from overwatering is higher than that of underwatering.
Humidity
Certain plants, particularly those native to tropical regions like Monsteras and Philodendrons, thrive in high humidity environments. If your plant has dry or crispy leaf edges, it may benefit from increased humidity. Consider placing a humidifier nearby or using a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot to create a microclimate around the plant!
Rootbound
When a plant outgrows its container, the roots become tightly packed and may start to circle around the pot or escape drainage holes. This can impact the plant’s growth due to lack of space and nutrients. Repotting the plant into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix allows the roots to spread out and promotes healthier growth. Check out Repotting 101 for the how-to.
Leaf Burn
Leaf burn occurs when plants are exposed to excessive sunlight, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Signs of leaf burn include brown, crispy patches on the tops of leaves. To avoid leaf burn, relocate the plant to a spot with indirect sunlight or use sheer curtains to filter the light’s intensity. Providing some shade during peak sun hours will also help protect the foliage from sun damage. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for plant SPF 👀
Restoring Plant Health
Identify the problem: Examine the plant for visible signs of stress and assess the environmental factors that you can control form our list above: light, water, and humidity levels.
Adjust care: Modify your watering routine, adjusting the lighting conditions, and address humidity requirements based on the plant’s species and preferences.
Prune & Repot: Trim away any damaged or dead foliage, and repot the plant if it’s root bound to encourage more growth.
Monitor progress: Allow some time for your plant to respond to the adjustments you’ve made!
By understanding the common issues that affect indoor plants and taking proactive measures to address them, you can provide the best care for your plants to promote their overall well-being. Remember to observe and adapt your care routine based on the specific needs of each plant species. With patience and diligence, you’ll be rewarded with healthy, thriving indoor greenery 🌿
