Salutations, everybody!
As plant parents, we try our hardest to keep our green friends thriving. But sometimes, you might find that they are struggling to stay healthy, and you're not really sure why.
This week, we thought we'd give you a rundown on the usual symptoms of a struggling houseplant and what you can do to treat them.
And with that, let's dive right on in.
Incorrect Temperature Settings
Houseplants have different temperature requirements, which must be adhered to. Should your plant's leaves start turning black and sagging, then your plant could be too cold. Similarly, if the leaves are rolling, drooping, or bleaching, then your plant might be getting too hot.
You should also check that plants, such as those with significant foliage, are growing in an environment with the right air humidity. If their leaves are going crispy with brown tips and edges and are wilting, for example, then this could be a sign of insignificant air humidity.
Lack of Nutrients
If your plant is showing less growth and flowering than expected, this could be the result of a lack of nutrients in your plant's compost. Failing to replenish nutrients through repotting/feeding will cause your plant to continue with these struggles.
Disease Infestation
If you notice 'grey mould' growing on your plant, then this could be a sign that your plant has a disease. Powdery mildew, as well as yellow margins and dark spots, also suggests that there are infections present.
Lack of Light
Photosynthesis can hardly work its magic without the power of light. Common signs of insufficient light hitting the plant are pale leaves, scraggy and weak growth, as well as lack of flowering. Other signs include lower leaves that are going yellow and even falling.
Too much Light
Likewise, too much light can cause issues. Certain houseplants will produce leaves with brown scorched patches, which can lead to a faded appearance when exposed to too much sunlight. Shade-loving plants will also often have withered leaves if sunlight hits them too regularly.
Improper Growing Environment
The environment in which you grow your plant is extremely important too. Should your plant develop yellow leaves with dry edges, this could be a sign that your plant is reacting badly to a draught encompassing them. Burnt leaves, in comparison, indicate that your plant has been placed too close to hot objects like radiators. Pale spots can also occur if you expose your plant's leaves to aerosols and cleaning products.
Lack of Watering
And who can forget water when it comes to the whole photosynthesis spiel? Should your plant consist of droopy leaves with brown/crispy edges that are fading away and dropping quickly, then there's a big possibility that your plant is dehydrated.
Overwatering
As is the case with too much sunlight, overwatering can also make your plant unwell. Signs of this include yellow leaves (going brown in the middle), as well as mould growing on both the leaves and flowers.
It is important, however, to distinguish between lack of watering and overwatering, as both show similar symptoms. To check if it's the latter, be sure to lift your plant out of its pot and check for excess water.
So now that we know the symptoms, how do we rectify them in order to help our houseplants feel better? Well, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves!
Basic Tips include:
Using secateurs to remove all withered, mouldy, completely yellow/brown leaves from your plants.
Changing your plant's watering schedule (watering more or less depending on the issue).
Placing your plant in a different spot (whether that's shadier or sunnier, cooler or warmer depending on the plant).
Repotting/feeding your plant.
Increasing/decreasing the humidity around your plant.
And that's it for now, everybody.
Be sure to drop by Langton Greenhouse and Garden Centre and speak to a member of our team should you have any issues with taking care of your houseplants.
Come explore our range too; we've got plenty to help you grow your indoor jungle. Bye for now!