Top 5 Reasons Why Your Houseplants Aren't Thriving

You can usually identify an unhappy houseplant by observing a distinct change in its appearance. It’s enough to bring any plant nurturer down. Maybe it just doesn’t have any flowers. Maybe the leaves have developed an unsightly yellow or brown finish. The leaves could be scorched. The plant itself could even droop. None of these are exactly signs of a flourishing houseplant, but the good news is that all hope isn’t lost. The first step is to identify the precise cause of the problem. Then, you can take additional steps to remedy the problem. Here are five key culprits that could be to blame.

1. Excess Water

Too much of anything can be a problem—especially where watering plants is concerned. Some plant parents may water overzealously, thinking it will keep their vegetation fresh and healthy. While it’s a well-meaning move, it can backfire. Overwatering is among the top reasons that plants fail prematurely. Soaking the plant causes the roots to rot, leaving the plant vulnerable to issues like mildew, diseases, and early demise. You can determine when it’s time to water simply by inserting your fingertip about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Still damp? Wait until it dries out.

2. Inadequate Lighting

Lighting plays an enormous role in your plants’ longevity. Your indoor plant will either require low light, medium light, partial sun, or direct sun exposure. The label should provide this information, so it’s imperative to abide by that directive. Few indoor plants call for direct sunlight, but many, like aloe and succulents, require partial light. Common medium light plants include bamboo, African violets, herbs, and peace lilies, while low light plants like Chinese evergreen and staghorn fern do best in areas with minimal, filtered illumination.

3. Soil Problems

Soil is formulated to sustain your houseplant, so the type you choose is integral to its longevity. If the incorrect soil is chosen, you’re likely to see issues like drooping and wilting. Avoid using garden soil, which may contain insects and isn’t formulated to support indoor plants. There are many different formulas available, and you may need to select a specific variety based on the type of plant. An orchid, for example, has its own unique needs and therefore calls for a specific type of blend. Usually, a standard potting soil consisting of compost, sand, and peat moss is suitable.

4. Fertilizer Needs

Fertilizer is vital for the houseplant’s nourishment needs. All fertilizers contain a blend of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each fertilizer contains a specific amount of each of these, listed specifically in that order. You might find a 20-20-20 blend that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which is typically ideal for the average houseplant. Some, though, may need more potassium or more nitrogen than others. The care instructions usually include this information.

5. Room Conditions

It’s not easy to replicate the optimal environment for a plant to thrive, but you should do your best if you have an indoor jungle of any size. Many plants call tropical environments their home, so you’ll need to create a space that is humid enough for their liking. This is more likely to be a problem during the dry winter months, but dry leaves are a common sign of inadequate moisture in the air and can occur year-round. Resolve this by keeping your plants as far from heaters and air conditioners as possible, using a humidifier, and regularly misting the plants lightly.

A little bit of TLC is all that it takes to create a loving environment for your houseplants. Being attentive to even the slightest change in condition is also important. The quicker you take action to correct it, the more likely your plant is to thrive.