Houseplant Problems
Plant problems are common- outdoors and indoors. And some of the problems
are similar- too much water, too little water, insects, plant disease to
name a few. It should not surprise you then to realize that treatment is
also similar. It's simply done inside versus outside. For many problems like
too much or too little water, the remedy is simple and easy to apply. Identifying
the cause of the problem comes before the cure.
Here are some of the most common houseplants problems and what you can do
about them:
Symptom: Leaves are turning yellow
Possible causes: This is a common problem. Unfortunately this may
be due to a number of problems including too much or too little light, and
too much fertilizer. It could also be caused by too much water.
What to Do: In the order listed above, adjust your plants environment.
Hold off adding any additional fertilizer until the problem is resolved.
Watch carefully to see how your plant responds.
Symptom: Base of stem is soft or mushy
Possible cause: This is a common result of over-watering.
What to Do: Let the surface of the soil dry out between waterings.
If the pot does not have drainage holes, re-pot your plant into one that
does. While re-potting, make sure to use soil that drains well. Add coarse
sand to improve drainage.
Symptom: Leaves tips turning brown
Possible cause: Like yellowing leaves, there are several causes of
this. The most common cause is too much or too little water. Too much fertilizer
is also a common cause.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Hold off adding fertilizer
for three to four weeks. Repot in fresh soil.
Symptom: Dry and brittle leaves
Possible cause: Too little water or low humidity.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Increase the humidity
in your home. Use plant misters. More on Humidity.
Symptom: Leaf Drop
Possible cause: Too much sun or fertilizer. Too much or too little
water. Exposure to cold or draft.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Hold off adding fertilizer
for three to four weeks. If you have your plant in a sunny window, move it
to a location with less light. Check the temperature of where you have your
plant.
Symptom: Leaf Drop
Possible cause: Too much sun or fertilizer. Too much or too little
water. Exposure to cold or draft.
What to Do: Follow the proper procedure for
watering your houseplants. Hold off adding fertilizer
Symptom: Yellow or Brown Spots on Leaves
Possible cause: Too much sun or too much water.
What to Do: If the plant is in a sunny, southerly window move it to
an area with less light. Check to see if the soil is too wet.
Symptom: Slow Plant Growth
Possible cause: Too little sunlight, water or fertilizer.
What to Do: Provide more direct sunlight or gro-light. Add water.
Add liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
More Information:
Pests
in House Plants
Give your houseplants a boost.
Several varieties of specifically
formulated plant fertilizer spikes.
Buy Now! |
