Houseplant Emergency! Common Houseplant Problems and How to Fix Them

Even the most seasoned plant parents run into trouble sometimes. A droopy leaf, a sticky residue, or yellowing foliage can feel like a crisis, but nine times out of ten, the cause is one of a few common issues.

Understanding the symptoms your plant is showing is the first step to becoming a great plant doctor! We’ve broken down the most frequent houseplant problems—from environmental stress to pests—and provided clear, easy steps on how to fix them.

Problem 1: Yellowing or Dropping Leaves

This is the most common and often the most confusing symptom, as it can be caused by both too much and too little water.

Symptom	Probable Cause	How to Fix It (The Solution)
Leaves are yellow/mushy, wilting, and falling off; soil is wet.	Overwatering & Root Rot	Stop watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry completely. If the roots are black and mushy (root rot), you must repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil after trimming away the damaged roots.
Leaves are yellow/dry, crispy, and lower leaves are browning; soil is bone dry.	Underwatering & Drought Stress	Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom hole. Allow the pot to sit in the drainage water for 15-20 minutes to rehydrate the root ball. Adjust your watering schedule to be more consistent.
New leaves are yellow or light green (pale).	Nutrient Deficiency	If the plant hasn't been repotted or fertilized in over a year, it's hungry. Begin feeding with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer growing seasons.

Problem 2: Brown Spots & Leaf Damage

Symptom	Probable Cause	How to Fix It (The Solution)
Brown, crispy edges on leaves.	Low Humidity or Tap Water Damage	Increase humidity with a pebble tray, humidifier, or frequent misting (for humidity-loving plants). If using tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate, or switch to filtered/rainwater.
Bleached, faded, or white-scorched patches on leaves.	Sunburn	The plant is receiving too much direct, harsh sunlight. Move it a few feet back from the window or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.
Tiny, dry brown spots/dots, often on the backs of leaves.	Edema	The plant took up water faster than it could evaporate it through its leaves. This is cosmetic and harmless. Ensure the soil is well-aerated (add perlite) and improve airflow.

When leaves show brown patches, it’s usually related to environment, light, or water quality.

Problem 3: Pests and Bugs

Pests are often introduced on new plants or through open windows.1 Catching them early is key!

Pest	Where to Look / Symptoms	How to Treat It
Fungus Gnats	Tiny black flies hovering around the soil and surface.	They breed in moist soil. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out completely. Use Yellow Sticky Traps to catch adults. Water from the bottom for a few weeks.
Mealybugs	Small, white, cottony masses found in leaf joints, stems, or under leaves.	Isolate the plant immediately. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently dab every cottony spot to kill the pest on contact. Follow up with Neem Oil spray every few days.
Spider Mites	Fine webbing on leaves and stems; leaves may look dusty or stippled.	Isolate the plant. Rinse the entire plant in the shower vigorously to knock off mites. Treat all leaf surfaces (top and bottom) with a solution of Neem Oil or insecticidal soap every 5-7 days for several weeks.
Scale	Small, brown, hard bumps, usually on stems and leaf joints (look like tiny scabs).	Isolate the plant. Manually scrape off the scale insects with your fingernail or a dull knife. Treat the area with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Crucial First Step: Always isolate any plant showing signs of pests immediately to prevent them from spreading to your other houseplants!

Problem 4: Growth & Structure Issues

These problems indicate the plant needs a physical upgrade or a change in routine.

Symptom: Plant is leaning dramatically toward the light source.

Fix: The plant is "stretching" for light. Rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water it to encourage even, upright growth.

Symptom: Plant is top-heavy and constantly tipping over.

Fix: It's severely root-bound and needs a bigger pot! Repot it into a pot that is 1-2 inches larger, following the steps in our guide on repotting.

Symptom: Fuzzy, white or green mold growing on the soil surface.

Fix: This is usually harmless saprophytic fungus, a sign of persistently high moisture. Allow the soil to dry out much more between waterings and scrape off the top layer of mold if desired. Ensure good airflow.

Feeling more confident in your plant parenting abilities? By correctly diagnosing whether your plant is too wet, too dry, or has a visitor, you can quickly get it back on the road to good health!

Would you like a more detailed guide on creating a DIY pest spray using ingredients like Neem Oil or dish soap?