While some plants might need a more in-depth assessment, most common houseplant problems can be fairly easily diagnosed.
Is the soil too moist or too dry?
Use your finger to check soil moisture.
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Curling Leaves
Curling houseplant leaves can bedue to overwateringor heat stress.
Compacted soil that can’t absorb water effectively may also cause leaves to curl.
Curling leavescan also be caused byaphids.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Also, be sure the container has sufficient drainage.
Some plants might need to be moved out of direct light.
Fight off aphids with a strong blast of water orinsecticidal soap.
The Spruce / Valerie de Leon
It can also be due to nitrogen deficiency, which can also cause the older yellow leaves to drop.
If all of the leaves are turning yellow, this is more likely due to a potassium deficiency.
For some plants, it can also be underwatering or inconsistent watering.
The Spruce / K. Dave
Brown leaf tips can also be because of a lack of humidity.
Thrips are not usually visible to the naked eye, they look almost like microscopic orange dust.
Feed the plant with a fertilizer that contains potassium.Potassium is the third number shown on fertilizer packaging.
A monstera Peru showing signs of faded leaves with scorched spots.The Spruce / Cori Sears
Reassess your watering habits.
To alleviate salt build-up, water your plants tuntil excess water runs out of the drainage holes.
Wilting or Droopy Leaves
Wilting,droopy leavesare often a sign of underwatering or overwatering.
Feel the soil; if it its dry, its underwatered.
If its wet to the touch, it’s waterlogged.
Reassess your watering habits.
Check soil moisture more often.
Don’t water until the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch.
Also, see to it the plant’s container has good drainage, and considerrepotting your plantif necessary.
Relocate your plant to a position where it receives more exposure to sunlight or bright light.
Do this by gradually exposing it to more light so the plant becomes slowly acclimated to its new environment.
Spray your plant with water with a removable showerhead to wash away the pests.
Or sprayinsecticidal soaporneem oilon the leaves to kill or control pests.
Purchase a moisture meter if you dont trust your own judgment.
you could use a humidifier or a pebble tray filled with water to create a more humid microclimate.
Usually a balanced 10-10-10 liquid solution is recommended (10% ratio of each nutrient).
A 3-1-2 ratio is good for tropical houseplants, though that assumes it is a nitrogen deficiency.
This is especially apparent on leaves with variegation.
Consider your plant’s current lighting condition and adjust.
If it’s located in bright, sunny light, move it into a low-light environment.
If you don’t have a brighter location for your plant, tryadding grow lights.
verify thesoil pHis at the right level for the plant.
Incorrect soil pH affects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in faded leaves.
Sometimes the cause is as simple as too much humidity or moisture.
Powdery mildewis the most common cause of a moldy appearance.
Repot your plant in fresh soil in a container with good drainage.
To treat powdery mildew on leaves, you need an an anti-fungal treatment.
you could alsomake your own anti-fungal spray easilyat home.
(Its also possible your pets might be biting them.)
First, trim off the damaged leaves.
For tougher pests, use a basicinsecticidal soap spray.
Keep an eye on the plant for a few weeks and repeat treatment as needed.
Small leaves can sometimes be brought on by the plant beingpot-bound.
Use an insecticidal soap spray to eliminate them and prevent them from invading your other plants.
Observe the affected leavesthe first leaves affected will be older leaves if the problem is a nitrogen deficiency.
With nitrogen deficiency, the leaves sometimes can look wrinkled instead of curling.
Consider your fertilizing habits and respond according to whichever seems more likely.
