Have you ever gazed lovingly at your plant babies, only to notice they’re looking a little, well, less than alive? You’re not alone. Keeping houseplants healthy can be tricky, but fear not! We’re here to unravel the mysteries of why your plants might be struggling and how to bring them back to their lush glory.
1. Overwatering: Drowning in Love
You can love your plants too much! Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant deaths. Signs your plant is getting too much H₂O include:
- Limp, droopy leaves
- Mushy stems
- Moldy soil
If your plant’s looking like it’s had one too many drinks, stop watering for a bit, let the soil dry out and make sure your pot has good drainage.
2. Underwatering: A Little Too Thirsty
On the flip side, underwatering can also spell doom for your plant babies. It’s all about balance! If you notice:
- Dry, crispy leaves
- Wilting or curling leaves
- Brown, sad-looking foliage
Your plant is waving a tiny, dehydrated SOS flag. Gradually increase watering, don’t go overboard, and snip off those dead leaves. With some TLC, your plant can bounce back!
3. Not Enough Light: Sunshine, Please!
Plants are like us, they need just the right amount of sunlight to stay happy. Some are sun worshipers, while others prefer shady retreats. Not sure if your plant’s getting enough rays? Look out for:
- Pale green or yellowing leaves
- Leaves dropping off
If this happens, move your plant to a sunnier spot. Research what your specific plant likes best, and you’ll see its green glow return.
4. Houseplant Diseases: The Hidden Villains
Root Rot: The Silent Killer
Root rot is a menace caused by, you guessed it, overwatering. When roots can’t breathe because they’re sitting in soggy soil, they start to rot, and your plant suffers. Symptoms include a nasty smell and a generally sad-looking plant.
If you catch it early, there’s hope!
- Carefully remove your plant from its pot
- Trim off any mushy, rotten roots (they’ll look brown or black)
- Repot it in fresh, well-draining soil
Pro tip: Water sparingly and let your plant dry out between.
Mould: The Fuzzy Intruder
Spotted some white fuzz on your soil? Don’t freak out, it’s very common! This happens when your plant’s environment is damp and poorly lit (a mould paradise).
Here’s how to evict the fuzz:
- Repot your plant in fresh soil
- Place it in bright, indirect sunlight for a few days
- Use a fungicide if needed, and add an antifungal mix when repotting
You’ve Got This!
Keeping houseplants alive is part science, part trial and error, and 100% worth it. Whether it’s watering mishaps, light drama, or surprise fungal attacks, every plant problem has a solution.
So grab that watering can (or don’t), find the sunny spot, and give your green pals a little extra attention.
Need a little extra help? Get in touch with The Plant Folk here.