Top 8 Common Houseplant Problems Solved

You don’t have to have a green thumb to keep you houseplants lush and beautiful. With a little information about disease and pest warning signs/prevention and some basic houseplant know-how, you will be well on your way to a house full of healthy plants. Here, the experts at Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center have compiled a list of the eight most common houseplant problems, as well a solution for each. In addition, we have also included a list of the six most common houseplant insects that like to make a feast out of your fanciful foliage. Looking to add a few houseplants to your repertoire? Let Fairview help you select the perfect plant for your home from of our vast houseplant selection. Read on...

1. Soil
Use a professional potting soil to assure proper water retention and space (for aeration) to allow oxygen to get to the plant roots. Always allow enough room between plant and rim of pot for watering. Leave at least one inch for a six-inch pot, two to three inches for larger pots. Fairview has many varieties of potting soil to choose from.

2. Drainage
Make sure your pots have adequate drainage. Improper drainage can lead to root rot.

3. Watering
Not all plants have the same water requirements, so make sure you ask a Fairview associate what the needs are for your particular plant. For most plants, you can use the following formula: Fill a cup with water; water the plant one cup at a time, giving the water time to reach the bottom of the container; repeat until water drains into the saucer. Subtract the amount in the saucer from the total amount of water applied, thus giving you the amount of water needed to water your plant thoroughly.

How often you should water can depend on the time of year, location of the plant and the water requirements for that specific plant. As a general rule, you should inspect your plants every two to three days in the summer and once a week in the winter. A good test is to insert your index finger approximately one inch into the soil (for larger pots, go deeper). If it feels dry, it is time to water again.

Room temperature tap water is the best. Chlorine in tap water will not harm your plants, but fluoride can damage sensitive plants.

Most plants benefit from an occasional misting. Not only does this keep your plant clean from dust, but it also discourages spider mites. Mist plants in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the plant is not in the direct sun.

4. Lighting
Most foliage plants require bright light without direct sun. You should always check what your specific plant needs are before you purchase, making sure you have the correct conditions in your home or office. A sample of bright light is one that extends five feet around a window, which is sunlit for part of the day. A shade area is one that is bright enough to read in for several hours a day. If your location does not get enough light, a grow light can be used for a few hours each day.

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