Plant Health

Plant Health: Common Problems and How to Solve Them

At Rooted Healing Plants, we want every plant parent to experience the joy of thriving, healthy plants. However, even the best-cared-for plants can encounter issues from time to time. Below are some common plant problems and simple solutions to help your plants bounce back to full health.

1. Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Yellow leaves can be a sign of several issues, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light.

Solution:

• Overwatering: Check the soil moisture. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering frequency and ensure the pot has good drainage.
• Underwatering: If the soil is dry and pulling away from the pot edges, increase watering gradually until the plant stabilizes.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Consider fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to replenish essential nutrients.
• Insufficient Light: Move the plant to a brighter location, ensuring it receives the appropriate amount of light for its species.

2. Brown Leaf Tips

Cause: Brown tips on leaves are often caused by low humidity, over-fertilization, or inconsistent watering.

Solution:

• Low Humidity: Increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, placing it near a humidifier, or using a pebble tray.
• Over-fertilization: Flush the soil with water to remove excess salts and cut back on fertilizing. Follow recommended guidelines for your specific plant.
• Inconsistent Watering: Establish a consistent watering schedule to ensure the plant receives adequate moisture without drying out or staying too wet.

3. Wilting Leaves

Cause: Wilting can be due to both overwatering and underwatering, as well as root rot or pest infestations.

Solution:

• Overwatering: Allow the soil to dry out, and ensure the pot has proper drainage. Repotting may be necessary if root rot is present.
• Underwatering: Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist.
• Pest Infestation: Inspect the plant for pests such as spider mites or aphids. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product’s instructions.

4. Leggy Growth

Cause: Leggy growth, where the plant becomes tall and spindly, often occurs due to insufficient light.

Solution:

• Move the plant to a brighter location where it can receive adequate light.
• Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides.
• Consider using supplemental grow lights if natural light is limited.

5. Dropping Leaves

Cause: Leaf drop can be a natural response to changes in environment, or it could be due to stress from overwatering, underwatering, or temperature fluctuations.

Solution:

• Environmental Change: Give the plant time to adjust to its new location. Ensure it's not placed in direct drafts or near heating/cooling vents.
• Overwatering/Underwatering: Adjust watering practices to match the plant's needs, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Keep the plant in a stable temperature environment, avoiding extreme changes.

6. Pests (Aphids, Spider Mites, Mealybugs)

Cause: Pests can weaken plants by feeding on their sap, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and general decline.

Solution:

• Aphids: Spray the plant with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or use insecticidal soap.
• Spider Mites: Increase humidity around the plant and regularly mist the leaves. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• Mealybugs: Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Follow up with neem oil treatments to prevent re-infestation.

7. Root Rot

Cause: Root rot is usually caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, leading to fungal infections.

Solution:

• Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any affected roots.
• Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency.
• Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

8. Mold or Fungus on Soil

Cause: Mold on the soil surface can develop from overwatering, poor air circulation, or high humidity.

Solution:

• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and increase air circulation around the plant.
• Remove the top layer of moldy soil and replace it with fresh soil.
• Consider using a natural fungicide if the problem persists.

As always, feel free to reach out to us at info@rootedhealingplants.com for any questions or plant care tips.