Houseplants are a great way to bring life into the home, but sometimes their leaves can start to turn brown, leaving gardeners scratching their heads. Don’t panic! The cause is likely one of three things – not enough water, too much sun, or disease – and all can be prevented with the right care. With proper watering, adequate lighting, and disease protection, your houseplants will be back to their leafy green selves in no time.
Why are Houseplants Leaves Turning Brown?
Houseplants can develop brown leaves for a number of reasons, but the most common culprits are lack of water, too much direct sunlight, and disease. To prevent your plants from turning brown, it is important to make sure they have adequate water and lighting, as well as protection against diseases.
When it comes to watering, the key is to do it regularly and make sure the soil is damp enough, but not wet and soggy. As for lighting, it’s best to move houseplants away from direct sunlight, and provide bright, indirect sunlight instead. To protect plants from disease, you should always check if they have any pests or fungal infections and take steps to treat them if necessary. Mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and using it to water your plants every few weeks can reduce the risk of disease.
Causes of Brown Leaves
Brown leaves are one of the most common problems when caring for houseplants. The causes can range from too little water to too much sun and disease.
To get your plants back to their green and healthy state, you need to identify the cause and address it with the right prevention methods. Not enough water is the most common cause of brown leaves in your houseplants.
If you want to keep your plants looking great, you need to water them correctly. Aim for infrequent, deep watering and test the soil with your finger or a moisture meter to make sure it’s moist and not dry. Too much sun exposure can also cause brown leaves.
While houseplants need some sunlight, they can suffer if they get too much. If you see the leaves turning brown and scorching, it may be a sign that they need to be moved to a spot with less light.
Disease can also be the culprit. To protect your houseplants from disease, keep them away from drafts and make sure you’re not overwatering them.
Too Little Water
It’s important to make sure your houseplants are receiving enough water. Not enough water can cause the leaves to start discoloring, and eventually, turn into a light or dark brown color. If you’re seeing this happening to your houseplants, check the soil and the pot.
If they feel dry, they need to be watered.
How often and how much you should water will depend on the type of houseplant you have, so do some research or ask someone at the local nursery. If your houseplant is next to a window that gets direct sunlight, this could also be causing your leaves to turn brown.
This is more of an issue with tropical plants that prefer less direct sunlight, such as ferns, begonias, and philodendrons. Move your houseplant away from the window or provide some form of shade, such as a sheer curtain, to give it the ideal amount of sunlight. Some diseases can cause brown spots or leaves on houseplants.
If you think your houseplant is ill, take it to your local nursery and ask for help. A professional can diagnose the issue, offer a solution, and even help you find a cure. Keep in mind that diseases can spread to other plants, so isolate the affected one until it’s better.
Too Much Sun
Too much sun can cause your houseplants to develop brown leaves. Keep your plants in a spot that’s out of direct sunlight and rotate them occasionally, so all sides of the plant get some sun.
If the leaves are becoming scorched, move the plant to a spot that gets less sun. You could try adding drapes or sheer curtains over the windows to cut down on the amount of sun that reaches the plants. And if you want to give your plants maximum sun exposure in the spring and summer, you could try window screens or awnings to keep them from getting too much sun.
Prevention
Preventing brown leaves on houseplants is key to keeping them healthy and vibrant. Proper watering is the most important step. Houseplants should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Too much water can drown the roots, so make sure you don’t overdo it. Adequate lighting is also important.
Most houseplants require bright, indirect light. If you notice your leaves turning brown, try moving your plants away from windows or direct sunlight.
Protect your houseplants from disease. Diseases are the primary cause of brown leaves on houseplants and can spread quickly.
If you spot any signs of infection, such as a fungus or mold, take steps to treat it immediately. Regular inspection and upkeep of houseplants is the best way to ensure they stay healthy and strong.
Proper Watering
When it comes to proper watering of houseplants, it is essential to find a balance. If plants are overwatered, their roots can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and a host of other issues. If your plants don’t get enough water, their leaves will begin to turn brown.
To avoid this, you should water plants when the soil is dry, or when the leaves begin to droop.
You should also be sure to water thoroughly, so that the water reaches the roots. If you’re not sure if a plant needs to be watered, you can check the moisture in the soil by sticking your finger in the pot.
If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your houseplant. You should also take into account what type of plant it is, as some plants need more water than others.
In general, plants that are native to tropical climates will need more water than plants native to dry or arid climates. It’s important to make sure the water you use is at the right temperature. Water that is too cold or hot can shock the plant and cause stress, leading to brown leaves.
If you’re not sure what temperature the water should be, it’s best to use lukewarm water. This will ensure that your plants stay healthy and hydrated.
Adequate Lighting
When it comes to houseplants, adequate lighting is key. To prevent leaves from turning brown, make sure to provide your houseplants with enough light.
If your houseplants are in a light-deprived spot, consider transplanting them to an area where they can get more sun. You can invest in specialized grow lights that can help boost the light levels around your plants. Most houseplants appreciate anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of indirect light a day, so experiment with amount and intensity of the light source to find what works best for your particular houseplant. With the right lighting, your houseplants will flourish and be free of any brown leaves.
Disease Protection
To protect your houseplants from disease, it’s important to follow basic care guidelines for watering and lighting. If your plants are in a room that gets too much humidity, try moving them to a more ventilated area.
If the leaves are starting to show discoloration, inspect them carefully for fungus or bacteria. Pruning any affected foliage can help to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also helpful to remove any dead or dying leaves regularly, as they can attract pests. Sterilizing your pruning tools after each use can help to prevent the spread of disease to other plants.