Houseplant Problems
Indoor plant problems are common. Many problems are similar to those experienced
by you plants outdoors - too much water, too little water, insects, plant
disease to name a few. It should not surprise you then, to realize that treatment
is also similar. For many problems, like too much or too little water, both
problem identification and the remedy is simple and easy.
Identifying the cause of the problem comes before the cure. Here's where
you get to play Plant Doctor. Study the plant and its environment. Finding
the problem, or problems, may be a process of elimination of one potential
cause, then another.
Here are some of the most common houseplants problems and what you can do
about them:
Symptom: Leaves are turning yellow
Possible causes: This is a common problem. Unfortunately this may
be due to a number of problems including too much or too little light, and
too much fertilizer. It could also be caused by too much water.
What to Do: In the order listed above, adjust your house plants
environment. Hold off adding any additional fertilizer until the problem
is resolved. Watch carefully to see how your plant responds.
Symptom: Base of stem is soft or mushy
Possible cause: This is a common result of over-watering.
What to Do: Let the surface of the soil dry out between watering.
If the pot does not have drainage holes, re-pot your plant into one that
does. While re-potting, make sure to use soil that drains well. Add coarse
sand to improve drainage.
In the future, water from the bottom.
Symptom: Leaves tips turning brown
Possible cause: Like yellowing leaves, there are several causes of
this. The most common cause is too much or too little water. Too much fertilizer
is also a common cause.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Hold off adding fertilizer
for three to four weeks. Repot in fresh soil.
Symptom: Dry and brittle leaves
Possible cause: Too little water or low humidity.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Increase the humidity
in your home. Use plant misters. More on Humidity.
Symptom: Leaf Drop
Possible cause: Too little sun, or too much fertilizer. Too much or
too little water. Exposure to cold or draft.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Hold off adding fertilizer
for three to four weeks. If you have your plant in a sunny window, move it
to a location with less light. Check the temperature of where you have your
plant.
More on Indoor Houseplant Leaf Drop
Symptom: Yellow or Brown Spots on Leaves
Possible cause: Too much sun or too much water.
What to Do: If the plant is in a sunny, southerly window move it to
an area with less light. Check to see if the soil is too wet.
Symptom: Slow Plant Growth
Possible cause: Too little sunlight, water or fertilizer.
What to Do: Provide more direct sunlight or grow-light. Add water.
Add liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Symptom: Insects on Plant and/or Leaves
Possible cause: Insects are usually introduced to a home by a new
plant. The new plant could be one you just bought, or a plant you have moved
in from outdoors. Insects then spread to other houseplants.
What to Do: Insecticides are not intended for indoor use. And, you
don't want to introduce harmful chemicals into your home. An organic insect
repellent may prove successful. Try a dish detergent soap repellent. Spray
or gently wipe the leaves with the detergent repellent. Keep an eye out for
insects and hand remove them as you spot them.
See: Organic Insect Repellents
Symptom: Insects in the Soil
Possible cause: Insects are usually introduced to a home by a new
plant. The new plant could be one you just bought, or a plant you have moved
in from outdoors. Insects then spread to other houseplants.
What to Do: Insecticides are not intended for indoor use. One of the
most common methods of ridding insects from the soil, is to immerse the entire
pot or container in water. Leave it there for an hour. Then remove it from
the water, and allow it to drain. It's important that the container has drainage
holes on the bottom . Keep an eye out for insects that may have crawled up
the plant during the process. Repotting may also work, if you can remove
all of the insects as you repot the plant.
Symptom: Dust on Leaves
Possible cause: It's pretty obvious.... dust in your home accumulates
over time on the leaves. It becomes unsightly. It can act as a filter, cutting
down the limited available light.
What to Do: Dust the leaves.... but, do so gently. A fan may also
work to rid most dust. Try it on fine or delicate leaves. You can also use
a solution of dish detergent and warm water. Emerge a paper towel or soft
rag in the solution. Squeeze out excess water, then gently wipe the leaves.
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