General Houseplant Care.

At Plantburgh, we're here to help you grow and thrive, naturally. Whether you’re tending to your garden or caring for indoor plants, our houseplant professionals are ready to offer expert advice!

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How Do I Know if My Plant Needs More or Less Water?

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons houseplants die. Often, when a houseplant starts to wilt or struggle, many people assume that giving it more water will help. However, the problem is often caused by too much moisture already in the soil.

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How to Tell if Your Plant is Over-watered

Overwatering can cause a variety of issues for plants, depending on the species, and is one of the most common reasons plants fail to thrive. When a plant is overwatered, the root system becomes stressed, often leading to fungal growth in the soil and eventual root rot, which can kill the plant. Key signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves that feel soft, mushy, or appear opaque. The plant may begin to drop its leaves due to stress and look wilted, droopy, or start to lean rather than standing upright. Another indicator is a soft or mushy stalk, which signals that root rot has set in, as the plant starts to deteriorate from the roots upward.

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If you notice any of these symptoms or find that your plant isn’t improving despite watering, stop watering immediately. Place the plant in a warm spot to help the soil dry out more quickly. In some cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant into fresh, dry soil, as excess moisture can lead to root rot. If root rot has already developed, it can be very challenging to save the plant. In this situation, consider reaching out to a houseplant professional for guidance on the best steps to take.

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How to Tell if Your Plant is Under-watered

It can be challenging to tell the difference between an under-watered and an overwatered plant because their symptoms can look very similar. However, there are a few key differences to watch for. If your plant looks droopy, try watering it. If the leaves don’t perk up within a couple of hours, it’s likely not under-watered. Yellowing leaves are another common sign, but with under-watered plants, the leaves often turn yellow and then become crunchy brown or dry out. In contrast, overwatered plants tend to have yellow leaves that are soft and opaque. The soil can also provide important clues. For under-watered plants, the soil will feel completely dry and may resist absorbing water because it’s so dehydrated.

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Light and Water Requirements for Houseplants

Each plant has unique light and water requirements, and if these needs aren’t met, the plant may struggle to grow or show signs of distress. Common warning signs include drooping leaves, yellowing foliage, and dry soil. Keep in mind that when you make changes to your plant’s environment, it may take two weeks or longer for the plant to respond. Be sure to research your plant’s specific needs to provide the best care. If you’re unable to create the ideal environment for your plant, consider using supplements like fertilizers, grow lights, or humidifiers to support its growth. Growing tropical houseplants in a dry climate can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice on helping your plant thrive.

How to Save a Dying Houseplant

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Check Moisture Levels

If you have noticed that your plant is struggling, our first recommendation is to test the soil. Stick your finger approximately two inches into the soil to feel for moisture. If the soil is damp or if any sticks to your finger when you remove it from the soil, do not water! Let the soil dry out for another week. If the soil is completely dry to the touch, consider giving the plant a hefty drink. You will want to water until it starts to drip out of the drainage hole.

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Check for Pests

If this does not help, check for bugs. Little pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or scale can be very difficult to spot and can cause the slow decline of a plant. If you need any help identifying a houseplant pest or need assistance purging an infected plant, let us know! We are happy to help.

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Is it Getting Enough Sun?

Brush up on your plant’s sun requirements. Too much direct sun on a sensitive plant can cause its decline. Similarly, a sun-thirsty plant that is not receiving enough direct sun can cause it to struggle as well.

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Some Other Things to Check…

Some other things that can cause houseplants to struggle is the temperature in the house not being warm enough. Houseplants may begin to struggle if house temperatures drop below 65 degrees. This could be the case if your plant is sitting next to a drafty window throughout the winter or next to an air vent during the summer. Some struggling houseplants may simply need to be fertilized! Your plants will not grow well if they have no nutrients. Your plant also may need to be repotted. Root-bound plants may begin to show signs of struggle if their roots have no space to grow.

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How to Identify What is Wrong with a Houseplant

It is not always easy to know exactly what may be going on with a struggling houseplant. Most often, diagnosing a houseplant is purely trial and error. If you go through the steps above and give your plant time to adjust to any changes you have made and it still seems to be declining in health, feel free to ask for help! You can bring your plant into Bath Garden Center, you can bring photos of your plant, or you can call us and describe the issues you are having over the phone. We are always happy to help you figure out what is wrong with your houseplant so that you can get it back on track to being healthy.

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Get Help from Our Houseplant Professionals

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Want advice on which houseplant to buy?

Do you have a spot in your house that needs a houseplant, but you aren't sure what would grow well or how to pick the right plant? Well, you aren't alone! Instead of just picking a plant at random, throwing it in a corner, and hoping it survives, let us help! Send us a picture of your space and include some details about lighting, style, and your desired placement, and we will provide you with several suggestions for plants that we think would thrive in your space!

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Need help diagnosing a current houseplant?

Do you have a houseplant that seems to be struggling, but you aren't sure why? We are here to help! Simply send us a picture of your plant and include some information about its environment (where in your house it is located, what direction it faces, how much light it receives, how often you water it, etc.), and we will respond with a diagnosis and some suggestions regarding what you can do to help your houseplant stay happy and healthy!