Houseplants bring so much joy and life to our spaces, but sometimes they can look, well, a little sad. If your plant’s leaves are drooping, yellowing, or just not thriving the way you expected, don’t worry—it's just a way of letting you know it needs a little extra TLC. Here’s a handy checklist to help you get to the root of the issue and turn things around.
1. Check the Watering Needs of Your Plant
- Too much or too little water? Not all plants have the same water requirements. Succulents and cacti, for instance, thrive on less frequent watering, while tropical plants may need more frequent hydration.
- Seasonal watering changes: Watering needs also vary with the seasons. During the growing season (spring and summer), plants typically require more water due to increased light and temperature. In fall and winter, plants tend to rest, requiring less water.
- Signs of overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, where the roots become mushy and start to decay, preventing the plant from absorbing water and nutrients.
- Tip: Stick your finger about an inch into the soil—if it’s damp, your plant doesn’t need water yet. If it’s dry, it’s time to water!
- Root rot check: If your plant looks wilted despite regular watering, or if you notice an unpleasant odour from the soil, gently remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white, while rotting roots will be brown, black, or mushy. Trim away any rotten roots, and consider repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Is tap water the issue? Some plants, like Calathea, carnivorous plants, and Tillandsia (air plants), are sensitive to tap water. If your plant falls into this category, switch to rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water to prevent issues.
2. Evaluate Light Conditions
- Too bright or too dark? Different plants have different light needs, and the amount of light can affect how much water your plant requires. A plant in too much direct sunlight can get scorched, while one in too little light may look stretched or "leggy." Plants in low-light areas also use water more slowly, making them more prone to overwatering.
- Tip: Observe how much light your plant gets throughout the day. If it seems to be struggling with low light, try moving it closer to a window or consider adding a grow light to provide extra support. For plants in lower light, remember to adjust your watering schedule to avoid overwatering—these plants may only need water every few weeks.
3. Check the Humidity
- Dry air or too humid? Some plants, especially tropical varieties, need more humidity to thrive. If leaves are turning brown or crispy at the edges, low humidity could be the cause. Additionally, plants placed near radiators or heating vents may dry out much faster, which can stress them.
- Tip: If your plant is near a radiator, consider relocating it to a more stable environment. To increase humidity, try moving the plant to a bathroom with natural light, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water (making sure the pot itself isn’t submerged), or grouping several plants together to create a mini ecosystem that naturally boosts moisture levels in the air.
4. Inspect for Pests
- Common cause of issues: Pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are a frequent source of plant distress and can be tricky to spot initially. Infestations often lead to symptoms like crispy, yellowing, or spotted leaves, and can make the plant appear generally unwell.
- What to look for: Check for tiny moving dots, fine webbing (especially on the undersides of leaves), sticky residue, or unusual black or white specks on the leaves and stems.
- Tip: If you find pests, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth and soapy water. Check out our blog post that goes into more detail about pest identification and treatment. Regularly inspecting your plants can help catch pest issues early before they spread or worsen.
5. Check the Soil and Drainage
- Soil too compacted, poor drainage, or hydrophobic? If the soil is too dense or the pot lacks drainage holes, water can accumulate and suffocate the roots. Sometimes, soil can also become hydrophobic, meaning it repels water instead of absorbing it. This often happens if the soil has dried out too much and hardened.
- Tip: Check if water is running straight through the pot or pooling on top of the soil. If the soil isn’t absorbing water, it may have become hydrophobic. Try gently aerating the soil with a fork or bottom-watering the plant by placing the pot in a shallow dish of water and letting it soak up moisture gradually. Also, ensure your pot has drainage holes, and consider repotting into fresh, airy soil suited to your plant type.
6. Look for Nutrient Deficiency Signs
- Signs of deficiency: Nutrient deficiencies can appear in various ways, such as pale or yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dull or faded colours. New growth may look weak or undersized, while older leaves might start to discolour or drop off. If your plant has been in the same soil for a long time, it may have used up many of the available nutrients, making it harder for the plant to thrive.
- Why nutrients matter: Houseplants rely on a balanced mix of nutrients to stay healthy and vibrant, especially during the growing season. Over time, even high-quality soil can become depleted of nutrients, leaving plants in need of a nutrient boost.
- Tip: Fertilise monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Consider repotting long-term plants into fresh soil every 1-2 years to keep nutrient levels optimal. Avoid fertilising in winter, when most plants go dormant and don’t need extra nutrients.
7. Consider Temperature Fluctuations
- Is it too cold or too hot? Sudden temperature changes, drafts, or exposure to cold air can stress plants and cause issues like leaf curling, browning, or even leaf drop. Some plants, like Ficus, are particularly sensitive to environmental changes, so even moving them to a new spot can lead to temporary leaf drop as they adjust. Additionally, certain plants are sensitive to cold drafts, which can damage foliage or stunt growth.
- Tip: Keep plants away from heaters, air conditioners, or drafty windows, and aim to maintain a consistent room temperature that suits the plant’s natural climate needs. For plants prone to environmental stress, choose a stable spot and avoid frequent repositioning to help them thrive.
8. Assess Repotting Needs
- Outgrowing its pot? As plants grow, they can become root-bound, meaning their roots have filled up the pot, leaving little room to expand or absorb nutrients effectively. Common signs of a root-bound plant include roots peeking out from the drainage holes, needing to water the plant more frequently (as the soil dries out faster), and signs of nutrient deficiency, like stunted growth or yellowing leaves. When a plant is tightly packed in its pot, it can struggle to access water and nutrients, leading to an overall decline in health.
- Tip: If you notice these signs, consider repotting your plant into a pot about 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Choose fresh, well-draining soil suited to your plant type to give it a nutrient boost. Repotting every 1-2 years can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
9. Remember, Imperfection Is Normal
- Older leaves dying off: In the wild, plants naturally shed older leaves as they grow, and this is perfectly normal for houseplants, too. If older leaves turn yellow, brown, or fall off, it’s usually just part of the plant’s natural cycle. As long as new growth is appearing, there’s no need to worry.
- Perfection is rare: It’s important to remember that no plant will have every leaf looking perfect at all times—unless it’s in its absolute ideal conditions. Plants may have a few imperfections, like yellowing or browning leaves, but as long as they’re producing new growth, they’re healthy and adapting well to their environment.
- Tip: If your plant has some imperfect leaves but new growth is appearing, it’s a sign that it’s doing well. Don’t stress over the occasional yellow leaf; focus on the overall health and vibrancy of the plant.
Plants Need Patience Too!
When plants are sad, it’s often an invitation to learn more about their needs and care. Playing plant detective can be fun and rewarding, and soon enough, your plants will show signs of thriving again. So grab your checklist, put on your detective hat, and let’s get those plants smiling again! 😊
As with anything, it takes time for your plants to recover after being distressed, so don't lose patience with your fussy plant; it may just take some time.
If you’re still stumped after following these steps, feel free to get in touch. The Plant Studio team is here to help!