How to care for houseplants and stop them from dying: 7 easy, effective ways

How to water indoor plants: Proper watering is crucial for healthy plant growth, but too much or too little can cause issues (Image: Pexels)

Houseplants instantly turn dull spaces in the house into lively corners. However, taking care of them can be an uphill task. If your plants turn yellow or brown often, there may be reason to look into what’s going wrong.

Here are 7 ways you could revive your houseplants and stop them from dying.

Inspect Closely Before Taking Action: Take a closer look at the plant before declaring it dead. If there are green leaves and flexible stems, there’s still scope for revival. Try and find the root cause of the problem. Leaves turning yellow with soggy stems are often a sign of excess watering, while yellowing limited to older foliage typically suggests the plant is simply ageing. For brown leaves, issues could be underwatering or low humidity. Root rot could also cause damage.

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Prune Dead Leaves: After a closer inspection when you know there's a chance of revival, start by pruning dead leaves. By doing so, you help the plant to focus on healthy growth. Trim off the withered foliage with the scissors, but don’t overdo it. Avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at once, and space out your pruning sessions.

Check Watering Cycle: Proper watering is crucial for healthy plant growth, but too much or too little can cause issues. Excess water may lead to yellow or brown leaves and root rot, while insufficient water can leave the plant wilted.

To identify the cause, remove the plant from its pot: If the roots are soggy, trim off the damaged parts, allow the plant to dry, and add fresh, dry soil to the pot. If the soil is dry and cracked, soak the pot in water for a few hours, then water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy.

Assess Light Exposure: Light plays an important role in determining plant health. Some plants require direct sunlight, while others grow well in dark areas and shades. Check your plant’s requirements before placing them indoors. Find a spot that does justice to their needs and make changes according to the season.

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Repot Your Plant: If your plant has outgrown the pot or its growth is stalled, then it’s time to repot. Roots may struggle to absorb nutrients if they are kept in a small pot. Take out the pot to inspect the growth of roots. If they are growing in circles or tightly packed then consider buying a larger pot  (1-2 inches wider) with good drainage. Repotting can help give fresh life to your plants and the necessary space for new growth.

Provide Appropriate Atmosphere:  Just as taking care of the light and water are important, providing the right atmosphere for growth is equally essential. If the plant thrives in humidity, keep it closer to other plants or use a humidifier. Keep the seasons in mind and make changes accordingly. Dry air can lead to wilting and browning of the edges.

Check for Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases are often the main cause of stunted plant growth. Separate the plant if you spot bugs on them. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or use natural pest control methods. In case of fungal infections, a fungicide can help or you can seek expert advice.