Common Plant Problems and How to Fix Them
Plants communicate stress through visible symptoms. The Plant Nursery teaches customers to read these symptoms as diagnostic clues rather than panicking at the first yellow leaf. Most problems are reversible when addressed early.
Yellow Leaves: Overwatering or Natural Aging
Yellow leaves are the most common concern. If yellowing affects the oldest, lowest leaves while new growth looks healthy, this is natural aging. All leaves eventually yellow and drop. If yellowing affects multiple leaves, occurs rapidly, or includes soft stems, this indicates overwatering. Check soil moisture and adjust watering frequency. Remove yellow leaves as they won't recover.
Brown Leaf Tips: Low Humidity or Salt Buildup
Brown, crispy leaf tips typically result from low humidity (common in heated or air-conditioned homes) or salt accumulation from fertilizer or tap water. Increase humidity through grouping plants, using a humidifier, or placing pots on water-filled pebble trays. Flush soil with water periodically to remove salt buildup. Trim brown tips with clean scissors for aesthetics.
Wilting or Drooping: Underwatering or Root Problems
If soil is dry and leaves perk up after watering, the cause is straightforward underwatering. If soil is wet and wilting persists, this suggests root rot from overwatering. Remove the plant from its pot and inspect roots. Healthy roots are white or tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown, black, soft, and smell sour. Trim rotted roots, repot in fresh soil, and reduce watering frequency.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient Light
Plants stretching toward light sources with long gaps between leaves indicate insufficient light. Stems become thin and weak. Move the plant closer to a window or supplement with grow lights. Prune leggy growth to encourage bushier growth patterns. Without addressing light, the problem will recur regardless of other care adjustments.
Pests: Early Detection and Treatment
Common houseplant pests include spider mites (tiny webs on leaves), mealybugs (white cottony clusters), scale (brown bumps on stems), and fungus gnats (small flies around soil). Inspect new plants before bringing them near existing plants. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or systemic treatments depending on pest type. Isolate affected plants to prevent spread.
Lack of Growth: Dormancy or Root-Bound Plants
Many plants slow or stop growth in winter due to lower light and shorter days. This is normal dormancy. If a plant hasn't grown during active growing season (spring/summer), it may be root-bound. Check if roots circle the pot or emerge from drainage holes. Repot into a slightly larger container to resume growth.
Practical Tips
- •Inspect plants weekly to catch problems early when they're easier to fix
- •Keep a simple journal noting watering dates and observations
- •Don't fertilize stressed plants - focus on resolving the underlying issue first
- •Remove severely damaged leaves to redirect plant energy to healthy growth
- •Isolate new plants for 2 weeks to ensure they aren't harboring pests
From The Plant Nursery
Customers often arrive convinced their plant is dying when we see minor, correctable stress. A few yellow leaves or brown tips do not mean failure. We teach recognition of serious problems versus cosmetic imperfections that don't threaten the plant's survival.