From nutrient deficiency to lack of light and more, fix common houseplant problems with these tips

If you are struggling with your houseplants - yellowing or dropping leaves, brown edges, wilting or root rot - here is a comprehensive guide on common problems that you may face with houseplants and how to resolve them.

Often overwatering can cause the leaves to yellow and droop. When plants don’t get enough light, the leaves may become leggy, while mould indicates the soil is too wet. Observe your plants carefully and over time you will be able to identify what the issue is and take appropriate action.

Here’s a guide to addressing common problems to keep your plants thriving.

• Yellowing leaves: Yellow leaves often result from overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or inadequate light.

• Overwatering: Check if the soil is too wet; let it dry out before the next watering. Ensure your pot has proper drainage.


• Underwatering: Water thoroughly and adjust your schedule to keep soil consistently moist, but not soggy.


• Nutrient deficiency: Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer every few weeks, especially during the growing season.


• Lack of light: Move the plant to a brighter location, avoiding direct sunlight unless the plant requires it.

• Drooping leaves: Drooping leaves can signal underwatering, overwatering, root issues, or sudden temperature changes.

• Underwatering: Water the plant thoroughly and ensure it receives regular hydration.


• Overwatering: Let the soil dry out between waterings. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.


• Temperature fluctuations: Keep plants away from drafts, AC, and heating vents.


• Root bound: If roots are crowding the pot, repot in a slightly larger container to encourage growth.

• Leaf spots or brown edges: Brown edges or spots may result from low humidity, underwatering, or pests.

• Low humidity: Increase humidity by misting, placing a water tray nearby, or using a humidifier.


• Underwatering: Water consistently to keep soil moist.


• Pests: Inspect for pests like spider mites or aphids and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Wilting: Wilting can result from both underwatering and overwatering, as well as root issues.

• Underwatering: Water deeply to hydrate the plant fully; it should recover within a day if this was the issue.


• Overwatering: Let the soil dry out before the next watering.


• Root rot: If the plant doesn’t recover, check roots for mushy, dark spots. Trim rotten roots and repot in fresh soil.

• Leggy growth: Leggy growth often indicates insufficient light, causing the plant to stretch toward a light source.

• Increase light: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight.


• Rotate regularly: Turn the plant every few weeks to ensure all sides get light.


• Prune: Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth.

• Mould: Mould usually indicates the soil is too wet or there’s insufficient airflow.

• Reduce watering: Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering again.


• Improve airflow: Move the plant to an area with better airflow, or use a small fan nearby.


• Remove mould: Scoop off mouldy soil and replace it with fresh soil.

• Stunted growth: Stunted growth can result from inadequate nutrients, compacted soil, or the plant being root-bound.

• Fertilize: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer according to instructions.


• Repot: If roots are tightly bound, repot into a slightly larger container.


• Loosen soil: Aerate the topsoil to help air and water penetrate more easily.

• Leaf drop: Leaf drop can be caused by environmental changes, lighting changes, or stress from moving.

• Consistency: Keep the plant in a stable environment with consistent light, temperature, and humidity.


• Avoid moving: Once the plant is happy in its location, avoid moving it around.


• Check watering: Adjust your schedule based on the plant’s needs.

• Pests: Common pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs can affect indoor plants, often due to low humidity or proximity to other infected plants.

• Isolate: Separate affected plants to prevent spreading.


• Natural remedies: Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a water and mild dish soap solution.


• Regular inspection: Check weekly for pests to catch infestations early.

• Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to rotting of the roots.

• Stop watering: Let the soil dry out to prevent further root damage.


• Repot with care: Remove the plant from its pot, trim any rotten roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.


• Improve drainage: Use pots with drainage holes, and consider adding perlite or sand to the soil.