Caring for houseplants can be tricky, especially when they start to show signs of struggling. It can be difficult to figure out why your houseplant is dying and what you can do to save it. Poor lighting, improper watering, and nutrient deficiencies are the most common reasons for houseplant death, but the good news is that these issues can be easily avoided with the right care and attention. In this article, we’ll go over what to look for and how to prevent your houseplant from dying.
Why Houseplants Die
Houseplants can die for a variety of reasons, but the most common are due to inadequate light, improper watering or nutrient deficiencies. To keep your houseplants alive, you need to make sure you’re providing them with the right care and attention.
Poor lighting is one of the leading causes of houseplant death. Signs of poor lighting include pale or limp leaves, scorched leaves, or plants that are not growing.
To avoid this, make sure you choose plants that are suitable for the amount of light in the room and keep them in a well-lit spot. Improper watering is another common reason why houseplants die.
Signs of improper watering include wilting, drooping, yellowing, and browning of the leaves. To ensure your houseplant is getting the right amount of water, make sure to check the soil moisture level before you water it. Keep in mind that each type of plant has different watering needs and make sure to water accordingly.
Nutrient deficiencies can also be a contributing factor for houseplant death. Signs of nutrient deficiencies include yellow or pale leaves, stunted growth, or poor flowering. To avoid this, you can use a fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants to ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting is one of the most common causes of houseplant death. If a plant is not getting enough light, it will eventually dry up, wilt and die. To make sure your houseplant is getting enough light, place it near a window where it can get direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
You can also use artificial grow lamps or move your houseplant around in order to give it more light.
If you notice your houseplant is not thriving despite having good access to light, it could be a sign of poor lighting. If your houseplant seems to be stretching towards the light or has yellowing or pale leaves, it’s a sure sign it’s not getting enough light.
Another sign of poor lighting is a lack of blooms or buds. If you want your houseplant to bloom, it needs to get plenty of bright light.
The best way to fix this is to make sure your houseplant is placed in a spot where it can get at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. If you can’t provide your houseplant with enough direct sunlight, you can use artificial grow lamps to give it the light it needs. These lamps can simulate the natural sunlight needed to keep your houseplants healthy, and are a great way to give your houseplant the right amount of light. With the right amount of light, your houseplant will soon start to thrive and you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Signs of Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can be one of the major causes of houseplant death. It is important to place houseplants in an area that is well-lit, otherwise they may suffer from inadequate light.
Signs of poor lighting include yellowing or wilting leaves, slower growth, and a tendency to lean towards the light source. In order to provide the right amount of light to your houseplants, you should place them in an area that gets either natural or artificial light. If you are unable to provide your plants with sufficient light, consider a grow light to keep them healthy and vibrant.
Improper Watering
Watering your houseplants is a delicate endeavor. Too much water can drown the plant, while too little can cause wilting. It’s best to water deeply but infrequently so the plant’s roots are trained to search for moisture.
On average, most houseplants need to be watered once a week.
Check the soil before you water and if it’s moist, wait another day or two before watering. Be mindful that different types of plants will need different types of watering.
Succulents and cacti for instance, need much less water than a fern. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of less water, as you can always add more.
Don’t forget to give your houseplants a good drink of water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water the plant until you see it draining out of the bottom of the pot, and then empty the tray of excess water after a few minutes. If you keep your plants hydrated, you should be able to keep them healthy and looking their best.
Signs of Improper Watering
If your houseplant is not thriving, improper watering could be the culprit. Look around the soil for signs of over-watering or under-watering in order to make sure you’re giving your plant the right amount of water.
If the soil is waterlogged, then you’re likely over-watering your plant. If the soil is dry, then you’re likely under-watering your plant. If the leaves are turning yellow, wilting or dropping, then you’re likely over-watering your plant.
If the leaves are shriveled or drying out, then you’re likely under-watering your plant.
Adjust the amount of water you’re giving your plant to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Stick your finger into the soil and if it’s dry an inch or two below the surface, then it’s time to water your plant. A good rule of thumb is to water your plant every two weeks, or if the soil is dry between waterings.
Make sure to use a watering can with a fine-spray nozzle or a gentle shower setting to avoid over-watering.
If your houseplant is still not thriving, you may need to water it more frequently. Consider installing a soil moisture meter to help you gauge the moisture level of your plant’s soil. A soil moisture meter can help you determine the exact amount of water your plant needs and when to water it. That way, you can give your houseplant the perfect amount of water every time.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can be a major issue for houseplants. The most common nutrient deficiencies are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If your plant is struggling to thrive, it’s likely that it’s not getting enough of one or more of these essential nutrients.
It’s easy to fix the problem!
Signs of nutrient deficiencies can include yellowing of the leaves, poor growth, and weak branches. The leaves could also become discolored, brittle, and misshapen.
If you notice these signs, you should start looking into what nutrients your plant may be lacking and how to replenish them. You may need to use a special fertilizer to get the job done. The best way to prevent nutrient deficiency in the first place is to feed your plants regularly.
This will help them stay healthy and strong. Make sure to water your plants properly and give them enough light, as these are also important factors in keeping them healthy. If you’re having trouble, don’t be afraid to reach out to a knowledgeable friend or seek advice from a horticulturalist.
Signs of Nutrient Deficiencies
Signs of nutrient deficiencies in your houseplant could include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, or poor leaf color. If you notice any of these signs, you need to take action to help your plant get the nutrients it needs. The best way to do this is to use a fertilizer that is appropriate for the type of plant you are growing.
Make sure that the fertilizer has the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as other trace elements such as zinc and iron.
If you are unsure of which fertilizer to use, you can always ask the experts at your local garden center or nursery. You should also be aware of the pH of soil for the type of plant you are growing.
Different plants have different preferred pH levels which you can learn by researching the species and variety. By testing your soil’s pH balance, you can determine what type of fertilizer and other additives you may need to add to your soil in order to keep your plant healthy and thriving. Be sure to water regularly with tepid water, as over- or under-watering can lead to nutrient deficiencies. With regular care and attention, your houseplant will be healthy and happy.