Top 5 Common Plant Problems

Plant care can be fun, yet challenging. If you find yourself with a seemingly lifeless plant, you're not alone! There are quite a few problems our green friends face, but with the proper knowledge and care it's easy to turn an otherwise sad plant into a happy and healthy one! 

1. WILTING/DROOPY LEAVES

Wilting and drooping leaves is a common plant problem that affects a variety of houseplants. A wilting plant is most easily identified when the leaves stop pointing upwards and take on a more lifeless look. Because this issue plagues so many different kinds of plants, there are a multitude of causes. 

Cause: The most common cause of wilting and drooping leaves is underwatering. However, you should pay attention to your plant because it could also be suffering from overwatering, pest infestation, sudden drastic changes in humidity and/or temperature, or even improper fertilization. 

Solution: If underwatering is the cause, the fix is easy - water your plant! If you suspect you've overwatered your plant, you can either switch the soil out or leave your plant in a dry, brightly lit spot to help dry out the soil quicker. If your plant isn't getting the right amount of humidity or is a bit uncomfy with its temperature situation, re-evaluate the placement of your pot. If you're unsure of the proper needs of your plant, check out the Flora App, the best plant caring app to determine the optimal growing conditions for all your plant babies! 

2. CURLING LEAVES 

Curling leaves are usually accompanied by a brown or yellow color, as well as a tougher, crunchier texture. Once your leaves start to curl, they feel almost delicate to touch. This problem is a pretty easy one to fix.

Cause: The most common cause for curling, brown/yellow leaves is underwatering or exposing your plant to high heat. If your plant is typically in a temperate environment or prefers colder temperatures, a sudden change in climate can result in its leaves folding into itself. Warm, dry air will essentially cause your leaves to dry up and shrivel. 

Solution: The obvious answer to underwatering your plant, is to give it some water! If your plant is curling due to unusually high heat exposure, move your plant into a different environment with a temperature it is more comfortable in. Once you've watered your plant or moved it back to a cooler temperature, your plant's leaves should come back to life. 

3. SCORCHED LEAVES

When a plant's recommended lighting needs is anything besides full sun, it's important to heed that advice. Keeping your plant in bright, direct light can be detrimental to its health. If you notice brown or black, crispy edges your plant likely is experience leaf burn.

Cause: Keeping your plant in full sun for the entire duration of the day could be problematic for the health of your plant's leaves. Prolonged sun exposure or even exposure to sudden dry heat could result in brown, dried edges.

Solution: Once your leaf has succumb to leaf burn, there is no way to reverse the effects. However, you can change its growing conditions so that no further burning occurs. 

4. LEGGY/SPARSE GROWTH 

If you notice your otherwise compact plant has started to grow rather tall, it has become "leggy." This is when your plant starts to grow upwards and bend, with its leaves growing far and few in between. 

Cause: The main cause for a plant becoming "leggy" is lack of sunlight. The reason your plant is growing tall, is because it is stretching toward the sun. It's a gentle reminder to place your plant closer to a light source, or give it a few more hours of sunlight throughout the day. 

Solution: Let the light in! Position your plant in a spot with more sun exposure. Once given the proper amount of light, your plant should stop trying to stretch out. While it is getting accustom to its new lighting, you can cut back the tall stems to get a fuller look.

5. ROOT ROT 

Root rot is when your plant's root system has become brown and soft. Ideally, a healthy root system should be white and firm. An early sign of root rot is wilting leaves. If you notice your plant start to droop and/or turn yellow, it's a good idea to investigate the state of the roots. 

Cause: Root rot is typically caused by overwatering, or improper drainage. If you notice your plant's soil is consistently wet, it means the soil is waterlogged and is not draining adequately. 

Solution: First, you should get your pot's drainage holes. If your pot does not have drainage holes, get one that does. You can remediate root rot damage by repotting your plant in fresh soil and cutting away damaged roots. If the entire root system has turned brown and soft, it is most likely too late to save your plant.