Diagnosing Your Sick Houseplant

Diagnosing Your Sick Houseplant
Indoor plants are particularly prone to sickness and few people are aware when their cherished plants arent flourishing despite being regularly watered. However it isnt difficult to read the signs that tell you your houseplant isnt doing too well. The leaves may turn brown or yellow, or the plant itself may start drying up. Some of the causes of illness can be remedied while others cannot be. While trying to address the problem, adopting the simplest common sense solution often works wonders. The usual reason why your plant is wilting is either too much or too little water. Check the soil to see if it is too dry or flooded with excess water. If it seems dry, wet the soil gradually until some healthy moisture shows through. If the water level seems too high, ensure that the drainage hole is not clogged. If you have put the pot in a dish to hold excessive water, empty it out and make way for the water to clear off. Drying leaves that appear to be browning or yellowing are probably suffering from over-exposure to sunlight. In this case, place the plant out of the glare of direct sunlight. If possible place it in a temperature-controlled environment like a green house. If the indoor temperature does not provide enough humidity, this can harm your plant too. There is a simple solution for this problem-place a small bowl of water near the plant and watch as the plant soaks it up and the water evaporates. Falling leaves and twigs could be a sign that the roots of the plant are being damaged from too much or too little water or excessive heat. Try to assess the environment in which the plant is placed before embarking on a course of treatment. Sometimes it may require a small amount of fertilizer in order to perk up and display its usual sheen. Your local nursery or a professional gardener could accurately asses the problem, in case you are at your wits end.

Tags: drainage hole, professional gardener, common sense solution, indoor plants, falling leaves