Diagnosing Houseplant Problems from Diseases

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.  

When encountering a houseplant problem, ask yourself, Are the environmental conditions appropriate for this species?Houseplant with brown spot on leaf

Understand the plant's needs for light, soil, water, humidity, temperature, and fertilizer. Adjust these conditions or move the plant to different conditions if problems arise. Multiple factors often contribute to issues, so identify and correct all of them, focusing on the primary cause.


Diseases can also be a serious problem for houseplants but are often secondary symptoms caused by poor environmental conditions and/or care.  

Diseases are typically caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. While there are options to control these disease issues with fungicides, addressing the primary issue caused by poor environment or care is often more effective. 


Common Diseases  |  Management of Diseases  |  More Information  |  Back to Main Page


Diseases of Houseplants

Several potential diseases can affect houseplants. 

Gray Mold

Tan, papery patches usually covered with gray, fuzzy masses on leaves and flowers caused by the fungus Botrytis.  It is very common on flowers or dying flowers.  Caused by overcrowding, low light, poor air circulation, and/or high humidity. See this article about Gray mold

Leaf spots 

Various fungi, bacteria, and viruses can cause these symptoms. Brown to black spots on leaves that enlarge with age. Concentric circles form with dead, dark centers, often with fruiting structures.  Eventually, they cover the entire leaf. Caused by wet leaves (usually from misting or watering), poor air circulation, and/or overcrowding. 

Virus

Color break, off-color patterns (mosaic, mottled), ringspot, and blight.  

Crown and/or Root Rot

Typically caused by water mold and fungi such as PhytophthoraPythiumRhizoctonia, or Thielaviopsis.  Dark, mushy, limp, easily broken roots.  Leaves change to yellow and blight (rapid death). Plants rarely recover.  Caused by pathogens that thrive in wet or waterlogged soils, no drainage holes or saucers full of water, frequent watering, and/or poor soil quality.

Powdery Mildew

starts as small powdery colonies and advances across leaves.  Caused by overcrowding, low light, poor air circulation, and/or high humidity.


Management of Disease Issues

Providing a proper plant-growing environment can prevent diseases. Management of these common houseplant diseases includes:

Prevention

Scout often and deal with issues as soon as they are noticed.  Always work with clean soil, containers, and tools.  Sanitize them regularly.

Throw the plant away

It is better to eliminate the plant and prevent potential spread to nearby plants than deal with the disease.  Additionally, most disease issues cannot be cured, only prevented so if the problem is big, it's not likely to recover.

Adjust Environmental Conditions

Look at all factors and be sure they don’t favor disease development.

  • Increase air circulation
  • Space plants to allow better circulation
  • Provide adequate drainage
  • Water using a wet-dry cycle
  • Raise light levels
  • Lower humidity

Fungicides

Remember that most fungicides prevent the spread of disease issues but do not cure current infestations.  Fungicides are not effective for controlling diseases caused by viruses or bacteria.  Check the label to be sure the plant species and the disease are both listed.  Always use as directed on the label. See this article on Proper Fungicide Use.



Diagnosing Houseplant Problems
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Photo credit: Martina/AdobeStock

 

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Last reviewed:
January 2024