As a plant parent, it's distressing to see your beloved green friend struggling to thrive. If you're wondering what's wrong with your plant, you're not alone. Many of us have been there, scratching our heads, trying to figure out what's causing our plant's decline. The good news is that with a little observation, research, and patience, you can identify the issue and take corrective action to nurse your plant back to health.
Table of Contents
Observe Your Plant's Appearance
Start by taking a close look at your plant's appearance. Check for any visible signs of damage, disease, or pests. Look for:
Yellowing or droopy leaves, which can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
Black or brown spots, which may be a sign of fungal infections or pests like spider mites.
Holes or tears in the leaves, which could be caused by pests like caterpillars or slugs.
White, cottony patches, which may indicate a mealybug infestation.
Soft, mushy stems, which can be a sign of root rot.
Check the Soil and Watering
The soil and watering habits can greatly impact your plant's health. Check:
The soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If it's already moist, wait a day or two before watering again.
The drainage holes in the pot to ensure they're not clogged, which can cause waterlogged soil.
The water quality, as tap water may contain chemicals like chlorine or fluoride that can harm your plant.
The frequency and amount of water you're giving your plant. Overwatering is a common mistake, so make sure you're not drowning your plant.
Inspect for Pests
Pests can be a major problem for plants, and they can be difficult to spot. Check:
The underside of leaves and stems for signs of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids.
The soil for pests like fungus gnats or springtails.
For any movement or tiny creatures crawling on the plant or in the soil.
Consider the Environment
The environment your plant is in can greatly impact its health. Check:
The temperature, as most houseplants prefer daytime temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and nighttime temperatures 5-10°F (3-6°C) lower.
The humidity, as dry air can cause stress to your plant. You can use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray with pebbles and water to increase the moisture around the plant.
The light, as most houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause burning, while low light can lead to weak and spindly growth.
The air circulation, as poor air circulation can lead to fungal diseases and pest problems.
Look for Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can cause a range of problems, from yellowing leaves to stunted growth. Check:
If you're using a balanced fertilizer, as a lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can cause deficiencies.
If you're fertilizing too frequently, as overfertilization can cause more harm than good.
If the soil pH is suitable for your plant, as some plants prefer acidic or alkaline soil.
Consult Plant Care Resources
If you're still unsure what's wrong with your plant, consult plant care resources like:
Botanic Beam's extensive library of plant care articles and guides.
Online forums and communities, where you can ask for advice from experienced plant enthusiasts.
Plant care books and expert advice from local nurseries or gardening stores.
Take Action and Monitor Progress
Once you've identified the problem, take corrective action and monitor your plant's progress. This may involve:
Adjusting your watering schedule or soil mix.
Pruning or removing affected leaves or stems.
Applying pest control measures or fungicides.
Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer.
Providing better environmental conditions, such as more light or improved air circulation.
Be patient, as it may take some time for your plant to recover. Keep a close eye on your plant's progress, and make adjustments as needed.
Preventing Future Problems<
Frequently Asked Questions
My plant is droopy and wilted, what's wrong with it?
There are several reasons why your plant might be droopy and wilted. It could be due to underwatering, overwatering, root bound, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If it's already moist, wait a few days before watering again. Also, make sure your plant is not root-bound by checking if the roots have outgrown the pot. Finally, ensure your plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures, such as near a heating vent or drafty window.
Why are the leaves of my plant turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or too much direct sunlight. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. If your plant is exposed to direct sunlight, consider moving it to a spot with filtered or indirect sunlight.
My plant has white, cottony patches on the leaves. What is it?
The white, cottony patches on your plant's leaves are likely a sign of mealybugs. Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing damage and promoting fungal growth. To get rid of mealybugs, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Why are there spider webs on my plant?
Spider webs on your plant are often a sign of spider mites, tiny, spider-like insects that feed on plant sap. Spider mites can cause yellowing leaves, premature defoliation, and stunted growth. To control spider mites, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles.
My plant has black spots on the leaves. What is it?
Black spots on your plant's leaves can be caused by fungal diseases, such as leaf spot or root rot. Fungal diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, and high humidity. To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation around your plant, avoid overwatering, and remove any affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.
Why are the edges of my plant's leaves turning brown?
Brown edges on your plant's leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including underwatering, overfertilization, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider reducing the frequency of fertilization and ensuring your plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
My plant is not growing as expected. What's wrong?
Slow growth can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients, insufficient light, or inadequate watering. Ensure your plant is receiving sufficient light by placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Also, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Finally, check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Why are there holes in my plant's leaves?
Holes in your plant's leaves can be caused by pests, such as caterpillars, slugs, or snails. To control pests, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and remove any affected leaves to prevent the pests from spreading.
My plant has a sticky substance on the leaves. What is it?
The sticky substance on your plant's leaves is likely honeydew, a sweet, sticky liquid produced by aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs as they feed on plant sap. To get rid of honeydew, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Why are the stems of my plant weak and leggy?
Weak and leggy stems can be caused by a lack of light, inadequate pruning, or overfertilization. Ensure your plant is receiving sufficient light by placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Also, consider pruning your plant to promote bushy growth and reduce the frequency of fertilization.
My plant has a strong, unpleasant odor. What's wrong?
A strong, unpleasant odor from your plant can be caused by root rot, which is often caused by overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider repotting your plant in a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
Why are the leaves of my plant curling up?
Curling leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including underwatering, overwatering, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, ensure your plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures, such as near a heating vent or drafty window.
My plant has a white, powdery substance on the leaves. What is it?
The white, powdery substance on your plant's leaves is likely powdery mildew, a fungal disease caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation around your plant, avoid overwatering, and remove any affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading.
Why are there ants on my plant?
Ants on your plant can be attracted to sweet, sticky substances like honeydew produced by aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs. To get rid of ants, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
My plant is dropping its leaves. What's wrong?
Dropping leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including underwatering, overwatering, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, ensure your plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures, such as near a heating vent or drafty window.
Why are the leaves of my plant turning brown and crispy?
Brown and crispy leaves can be caused by underwatering, overfertilization, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider reducing the frequency of fertilization and ensuring your plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
My plant has a soft, mushy stem. What's wrong?
A soft, mushy stem can be caused by root rot, which is often caused by overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider repotting your plant in a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
Why are there eggs on my plant?
Eggs on your plant can be laid by pests, such as caterpillars, slugs, or snails. To control pests, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and remove any affected leaves to prevent the pests from spreading.
My plant has a fuzzy, green growth on the leaves. What is it?
The fuzzy, green growth on your plant's leaves is likely moss, which thrives in high-humidity environments. To prevent moss, ensure good air circulation around your plant, avoid overwatering, and remove any affected leaves to prevent the moss from spreading.
Why are the roots of my plant growing out of the pot?
Roots growing out of the pot can be a sign of a root-bound plant, which means the roots have outgrown the pot. Consider repotting your plant in a larger pot with a well-draining potting mix to give the roots more room to grow.
My plant has a sour or bitter smell. What's wrong?
A sour or bitter smell from your plant can be caused by root rot, which is often caused by overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Also, consider repotting your plant in a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
Why are the leaves of my plant turning grayish-green?
Grayish-green leaves can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients, insufficient light, or inadequate watering. Ensure your plant is receiving sufficient light by placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Also, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients, and check the soil moisture to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
My plant has a black, sooty substance on the leaves. What is it?
The black, sooty substance on your plant's leaves is likely sooty mold, a fungal disease caused by aphids, whiteflies, or mealybugs. To get rid of sooty mold, spray your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, and wipe the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Why are the stems of my plant brittle and breaking?
Brittle and breaking stems can be caused by a lack of essential nutrients, insufficient light, or inadequate watering. Ensure your plant is receiving sufficient light by placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Also, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients, and check the soil moisture to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.