Diagnosing Houseplant Problems

Wilted Peace Lily — Several issues can cause wilting. Identifying the primary cause is the first step to fixing the problem.

Growing indoor plants is a rewarding hobby that yields beautiful results. But when problems arise, it can be difficult to determine how to fix them.

What to do When you Have a Problem

When encountering a houseplant problem, ask yourself, Are the environmental conditions appropriate for this species?

To keep houseplants healthy and attractive, meet their specific needs for light, soil, water, humidity, temperature, and fertilizer. Adjust conditions or move the plant if necessary.

Problems are Often Complicated!

Many problems are not caused by a single factor – they often result from several factors coming together to cause an unhealthy or unattractive plant.

Look for More Than One Factor

Identify multiple factors causing issues. For instance, brown leaf tips may be due to low humidity and over-fertilizing. Address both to solve the problem.

Identify the Primary Issue

Identify the primary issue causing problems. Treating symptoms like fungus gnats with insecticide won't help if the root cause, such as wet soil, isn't addressed.

Identifying the Problem

The problems we often see in houseplants can be divided into four categories. Click below to find information on identifying and treating various issues within each category.