Ask the Expert: Puneet Sabharwal on Troubleshooting the Top 5 Houseplant Issues
Houseplants can bring happiness, a sense of well-being, and visual appeal, but they can also bring complete confusion and frustration when they droop, frizzle, or even expire.
1. Pests and Disease
Puneet explains that common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and gnats can come into your home through open windows or hitchhike in on newer plants.
However, neem oil which is commonly touted as safe, is practically useless and carries a noxious smell.” He notes that while the physical properties of oil can clog an insect’s breathing pores, you have to douse the tiny troublemakers directly which can be tricky as pests move quickly or can be too small to detect.
2. Water
Photograph by Mieke Vergijlen, from 11 Ways to Keep Houseplants Happy this Winter.
When your plant’s leaves turn pale yellow and then drop, this could be caused by too much water. The solution: Check the soil before watering to see if the soil is already damp and increase your plant’s exposure to light and heat.
3. Light
Too little light will turn leaves pale green, cause a plant to lose its variegation, and even cause leaves to fall off.
Photograph by Mimi Giboin, from Best Houseplants: 9 Indoor Plants for Low Light.