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 plants is the most common cause of houseplant deaths. Signs your houseplant is getting too much H₂O include:
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Limp, droopy leaves
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Mushy stems
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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 plants can also spell doom for your indoor plant babies. It’s all about balance! If you notice:
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Dry, crispy leaves
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Wilting or curling leaves
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Brown, sad-looking foliage
Your houseplant 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:
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Pale green or yellowing leaves
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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!
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Carefully remove your plant from its pot
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Trim off any mushy, rotten roots (they’ll look brown or black)
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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 houseplant’s environment is damp and poorly lit (a mould paradise).
Here’s how to evict the fuzz:
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Repot your plant in fresh soil
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Place it in bright, indirect sunlight for a few days
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Use a fungicide if needed, and add an antifungal mix when repotting
5. Pests: Devil’s In Disguise
Sometimes, it’s not you… it’s them. Pesky pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can sneak into your plant collection and cause all kinds of havoc. If your plant’s looking rough despite your best efforts, it might have some unwelcome guests. Here’s what to watch for:
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Sticky, shiny leaves: Aphids and scale insects often leave behind a substance called honeydew, a sugary residue that can make your plant’s leaves appear glossy or sticky.
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Tiny webs or specks: Spider mites are small but mighty pests that spin tiny webs, usually on the underside of leaves. You may also notice tiny dots moving on the plant. Those are the mites themselves!
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White, cotton-like clusters: Mealybugs look like bits of white fluff and can often be mistaken for just that!
How to tackle a pest problem:
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Wash and Wipe: Gently rinse your plant under lukewarm water to dislodge pests. For stubborn spots, wipe the leaves with a soft cloth. Focus on areas where pests like to play hide and seek, such as leaf undersides.
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Apply a Natural Remedy: A solution of neem oil or washing-up soap mixed with water can repel pests without harming your plant. Spray it thoroughly, ensuring you cover all affected areas.
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Quarantine the Plant: Place the infested plant away from others to avoid pests spreading (this is especially important in a collection of houseplants), but don’t worry, they won’t get lonely!
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Inspect Regularly: Check on your green friends every week or two to see how they’re getting on. Look at leaves, stems, and even soil for any signs of new infestations, so you can spot any unwelcome visitors quickly.The quicker you spot them, the easier it is to deal with them!
With a bit of persistence, your plant will be pest-free and thriving again in no time.
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.
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