Time to save them: 8 reasons why houseplants are dying
Do you diligently care for the plants in your apartment, but they still wilt or get sick? We have compiled the main reasons and explained how to correct these mistakes.
1. Pets
Cats, dogs, rabbits, and other pets can pose a threat to houseplants, as they tend to chew on leaves, stems, and flowers, and sometimes even use the pot as their personal toilet without you noticing.
If you notice increased interest in plants, move them out of reach of animals. And train your pets to discourage destructive behavior. Moreover, some indoor varieties are poisonous and dangerous to animals.
Pets | Pexels
2. Pests and diseases
If you notice white or yellow spots on your plants, or if the leaves and stems are sticky and deformed, this indicates the presence of pests. The most common “guests” are aphids, spider mites, thrips, scale insects, and mealybugs. Immediately isolate the affected plants and treat them with special preparations. Provide proper care and replace the soil if necessary. And if you bring home a new flower, observe a two-week quarantine: keep it away from others during this time. Regularly inspect plants for damage.
Pests and diseases | ShutterStock
3. Incorrect fertilizers
High-quality fertilized soil helps plants develop properly, bloom actively, and grow. However, oversaturation or the use of unsuitable substances can ruin the flower. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and application schedule. Also, pay attention to the expiration dates of fertilizers. If you notice the plant is not responding well to the fertilizer, stop feeding it and see if it improves.
4. The pot is not the correct size
A pot that is too small or too large can also cause the plant to die. If the soil volume exceeds what is necessary, excess moisture accumulates, or, conversely, it evaporates quickly. In cramped containers, the root system develops poorly, and the soil quickly becomes depleted. Therefore, transplant plants as they grow into pots of the appropriate size.
The pot is not the correct size | Pexels
5. Poor lighting
All plants need different levels of light. Therefore, both a lack and an excess of light can lead to disease and even death. You can choose places where your green pet will be as comfortable as possible. Also, periodically change its position relative to the sun; otherwise, the flower will start to grow in one direction, and the stems will become crooked.
Poor lighting | Pixabay
6. Unsuitable location
Placing plants in a draft, too close to a hot radiator, or under the scorching sun is also detrimental to many plant species. Therefore, placing them on a windowsill, especially in winter, is not always a good idea. Study information about specific varieties and choose locations with suitable conditions for them.
Unsuitable location | Pexels
7. Too many plants nearby
An abundance of greenery in an apartment looks good. But even experienced flower growers often struggle to place a large number of plants in an apartment, as different varieties require different conditions and care. Some cannot coexist at all, and one or both neighbors wither and die. If you want to create a real jungle at home, place plants that are compatible and similar in terms of care requirements next to each other.
Too many plants nearby | Pixabay
8. Transplanting out of season
If you think that a flower has outgrown its pot or it is time to replace the soil, pay attention to the season. For example, you should not transplant plants in winter when they are dormant, or during the flowering or fruiting period. Please don’t disturb sick or weakened flowers. Also, do not transplant immediately after purchase; otherwise, your green pet will have a harder time adapting to its new conditions.
Transplanting out of season | Pexels
❓ Questions and answers
Could light be the reason my plant is struggling?
Yes — both too little light and too much direct sunlight can harm a houseplant. Too little light can cause weak, stretched growth and pale leaves; too much light (especially harsh direct sun) can scorch the leaves.
Does the size of the pot matter?
Absolutely. A pot that’s too small can stunt root growth and lead to quick nutrient depletion; a pot that’s too large can hold excess moisture, which can cause root rot. Choosing an appropriately sized pot and using well-draining soil helps keep the plant healthy.
Can pests, diseases, or poor soil care kill my houseplants — even indoors?
Yes. Indoor plants are not immune to pests (such as mites, aphids, or mealybugs) or diseases. Also, using the wrong fertilizer or over-fertilizing can “burn” plant roots, damaging their ability to absorb water and nutrients.
Could environmental conditions inside my home (like temperature or placement) affect plant health?
Definitely. Drafts, heating vents, or placing plants in overly bright or dark spots may stress plants. Also, overcrowding plants — putting many different kinds with different needs too close together — can create competition for light, water, and nutrients, which may harm some of them.
Sofia Lorenson: An expert in floriculture and floristry with 10 years of experience. I will help you create the garden of your dreams, which will bloom from spring to fall.
