How to fix 10 common houseplant problems

One of the most frustrating things about houseplants occurs when a normally healthy plant starts looking sick. Here's how to deal with common houseplant problems.

Stretching

If your houseplant has started getting leggy and awkwardly tall or is sending out spindly, weak stems, it's trying to tell you that it needs more light. Move it closer to a window or switch it to another window that gets more light. South-facing windows tend to be the brightest. Rotate your plants so that all sides of the plant get equal access to the sun.

Curling leaves

If you see curling or distorted leaves, you may find other signs of insects or the insects themselves. If you find black spots or fuzzy white spots, it's probably a disease. Use your fingers to crush pests or treat your plant with neem oil. If your plant has a disease, remove affected areas to prevent further spread.

Brown leaf tips

Brown tips can come from inconsistent watering, too much salt or low humidity.

Be sure to only water when a plant really needs it. Try not to go weeks without watering and then surprise it with a deluge.

Overfertilizing or salts from treated tap water can cause too much salt. Either flush the soil with water until it drains out clear or repot your plant into fresh potting mix. Try watering with distilled water.

Many houseplants are tropical natives. If the air in your house or apartment is dry, place a humidifier nearby.

Yellow leaves

If your plant only has one or two yellow leaves, simply pluck them. Excessive yellow leaves, however, could be a more significant issue. Overwatering kills, so only use containers with drainage holes and empty water from saucers beneath them.

Yellowish leaves all over the plant may also be a sign of too little light. Try moving the plant to a brighter spot.

Dropping leaves

Some plants are sensitive to location changes and show it by dropping leaves. As long as the growing conditions in the new spot are still ideal, it should grow fresh leaves. Leaf drop may also indicate low light.

Pale or burnt leaves

Pale or while leaves usually mean too much light. Move plants out of direct sunlight or to a window that gets less intense light. Leaf scorch can mean fertilizer burn. Use less fertilizer or switch to distilled water.

Wilting leaves

Wilt can be challenging to diagnose. Try checking the soil for dampness or dryness and adjusting watering habits accordingly, lowering the temperature, repotting in better soil or misting to improve humidity.

Spotted leaves

Spots on leaves are often caused by disease. Throw away diseased plant material so it doesn't spread. To prevent disease, give plants ample space to grow, remove dead foliage promptly and always water at the base of a plant.

Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that affects many plants. Increasing the airflow around the affected plant can also help. Remove the severely infected foliage when working on controlling the issue.

Nonabsorbent soil

Many potting soils use peat, which holds water well when moistened but is difficult to wet the first time or after a lengthy drought.

Submerge small pots in lukewarm water to re-moisten the peat in the soil. It's more challenging to do that with large pots. Many nurseries sell surfactants (wetting agents) that are safe for the plant. Follow the instructions on the bottle to fix your soil.