Diagnose Common Houseplant Problems

Houseplants should be easy to care for, and for the most part, they are. However, there are homes in which one or two caretakers simply cannot seem to keep houseplants thriving no matter hat they do. Here are some of the most common signs of failing houseplants, and what each means.

Your plant looks healthy and seems to be doing fine, however it has stopped growing. This is a sign that you plant might be getting too much light. The plant at this point has outgrown its current pot and needs to me repotted in a larger container. Make sure that the location of the container offers your plant the right amount of light.

Wilting leaves are a sign that the plant is in a spot that is too warm or needs to be watered. Test the moisture of the soil to see if the plant needs more water. If that is the answer then the solution is simple, if that is not the problem then the plant should be moved to a cooler location.

If you plant's leaves seem to be dull and lifeless then it might be cause by too little light. If the leaves are dusty, then give them a light dusting. If a coating of dust or grime is not preventing your plant from enjoying the necessary sunlight, then you should move your container to an area with more available light. Another possibility is a red spider mite infestation, but unless they have made it into your home on another plant, contaminated soil or you it is not nearly as likely as the simpler problems.

Plants with black edges on their leaves have been in a cold location for too long. Move the container to a warmer spot, if you have not already, and take care to keep the plant in an area with a higher temperature.

When the edges of your leaves begin to turn brown then it is a sign that your plant has been in a location with too much humidity or sitting in a draft that is dry and warm. Check to see if there is a draft where your plant is placed and adjust its environment accordingly.

If leaves begin to fall off from the bottom of your plant then it is a sign that the plant is being over watered and is probably not getting enough light. Readjust your watering routine with the plant and try to move the container to a sunnier location.

When leaves begin to fall from the top of your plant then it is a sign that your plant needs more water and the humidity is too low. Adjust your watering routine and make any adjustments you can do to the plant's environment to raise the humidity level near the plant in question.

If mature leaves on your plant begin to turn yellow and fall off then your plant is starving. Add nutrients to the soil, what you use will depend on the plants. Be sure to use a plant appropriate fertilizer or plant food.

If your plant is sporting small leaves that are pale and spindly growth then there are a couple of answers depending on the season. If this occurs during cool weather than it is a sign that the plant has been too warm and well watered for the season. If possible, simply prune off the low quality growth and adjust the environment around the plant. If this problem is occurring during the regular growing season then the most common reason behind the problem is too little light or a need for nutrients. If this is the case, move your plant to a sunnier location and use some plant appropriate fertilizer or plant food.

When you are dealing with a plant that is seemingly on death's door, there are still some things that can help. When you think that one of your plants needs some serious assistance then the first think you should do is repot the plant in a clean, clay pot of the same size. Remove any foliage that is disease damaged or discolored and throw it away. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the clean pot or any other houseplants to make sure that you do not spread any plant diseases around your home. Then move the plant to a room with a temperature that is around 70 degrees during the day and temperatures around sixty degrees at night. The room should have as close to fifty percent humidity as well.