10 Common Indoor Plant Problems and How to Fix Them

Indoor plants bring beauty, fresh air, and calm to your home—but when leaves turn yellow or growth stalls, it can be frustrating. This guide covers the most common indoor plant problems, how to identify their symptoms, and proven solutions to bring your houseplants back to health. Each issue also includes a difficulty rating to help you assess how easy or complex the fix may be.

1. Yellowing Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves turn pale yellow, especially from the bottom up. New growth may be stunted.
Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency
Fixes: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Ensure pots have proper drainage. Add a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Difficulty: Easy

2. Brown Leaf Tips

Symptoms: Leaf edges or tips turn brown and crispy. Affected leaves may gradually die off.
Causes: Low humidity, inconsistent watering, or salt buildup
Fixes: Use a humidifier or pebble tray. Water consistently with filtered or distilled water. Flush soil monthly.
Difficulty: Moderate

3. Drooping or Wilting

Symptoms: Leaves look limp, soft, or collapsed. Entire plant appears sad or slumped.
Causes: Under-watering or overwatering
Fixes: Check soil moisture. Water thoroughly if dry; reduce watering and improve drainage if soggy.
Difficulty: Easy

4. Slow or No Growth

Symptoms: Lack of new leaves or stems during growing season. Plant appears stagnant.
Causes: Insufficient light, depleted soil, or root-bound condition
Fixes: Move to brighter spot with indirect light. Repot if roots are circling. Use nutrient-rich potting mix and fertilize monthly.
Difficulty: Moderate

5. Leaf Drop

Symptoms: Healthy leaves fall off suddenly or gradually, especially lower leaves.
Causes: Drafts, temperature stress, or relocation shock
Fixes: Keep away from AC vents, heaters, or drafty windows. Maintain consistent environment. Limit moving the plant.
Difficulty: Easy

6. Moldy Soil or Fungus Gnats

Symptoms: White mold on soil surface; tiny black gnats flying around the plant.
Causes: Overwatering, compact soil, and/or poor air circulation
Fixes: Let soil dry out. Add sand to top layer or use neem oil spray. Bottom water to avoid surface saturation. Use sticky traps.
Difficulty: Moderate

7. Houseplant Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Aphids)

Symptoms:

• Spider Mites: Tiny webs, speckled yellow leaves, dry edges

• Mealybugs: White, cottony clumps on stems or leaf joints

• Aphids: Clusters of green/black bugs on new growth, curled leaves

Causes: Overwatering and/or stagnant soil
Fixes: Let soil dry between waterings. Use a well-draining mix. Add a layer of sand or cinnamon on top of soil to deter gnats. Consider bottom watering.

Difficulty: Challenging

8. Leggy or Spindly Growth

Symptoms: Long stems with large gaps between leaves; leaning or weak appearance
Cause: Inadequate light
Fixes: Relocate to brighter area or use grow light. Prune to encourage bushier growth. Rotate weekly.
Difficulty: Easy

9. Root Rot

Symptoms: Mushy, dark roots with foul odor; wilting despite moist soil; yellowing leaves
Causes: Overwatering and/or poor drainage
Fixes: Remove plant from pot. Trim rotted roots. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a drainage hole. Water less frequently.
Difficulty: Challenging

10. Curling or Distorted Leaves

Symptoms: Leaves curl inward or twist unnaturally. Growth may appear puckered.
Causes: Heat stress, pests, or underwatering
Fixes: Relocate away from direct heat. Check for pests under leaves. Deeply water when top inch is dry.
Difficulty: Moderate

Final Thoughts

Every plant parent encounters issues—but most houseplant problems are fixable with early detection and consistent care. By understanding these common indoor plant symptoms and their solutions, you’ll keep your greenery vibrant and healthy year-round.