Got a “Dying” Plant? Don’t Panic (or Throw It Away!) — Check This First
Even if you’re new to growing houseplants, you’re bound to soon experience a plant hobbyist’s right of passage: wondering if your plant is dying. You’ll glance over at your once-thriving houseplant, only to notice it’s looking a little … off. Maybe the leaves are drooping, or perhaps there’s an ominous yellow hue creeping in. You want to panic, but you don’t have to — not before doing a few plant checks, anyway.
One of the biggest reasons you might be hesitant to take up the houseplant hobby is because of the fear of killing your plants. “I’d say [the worry is] a cross between the investment and the fear of killing their plants,” says Carissa Halbmaier, manager of Flower + Furbish in Paducah, Kentucky. That’s a completely valid concern, but thankfully there are so many plant “issues” you can address — and hopefully reverse — before your plant is done for.
Is My Plant Dying?
If you have a plant that’s not looking so great, first take a deep breath — it’s probably not dying. Plants, like people, have ways of telling you when something’s wrong. The key is knowing how to interpret their signals and act accordingly.
A yellow leaf here or a drooping stem there is a plant’s way of saying, “Hey, I need help!” The trick is to assess the severity of the issue and respond appropriately.
Emily Bergman, a longtime plant collector and aficionado who hosts regular plant education workshops where she lives in Harrisburg, Illinois, has had quite the learning experience with her plants. “Every plant and situation has been different,” she explains. Bergman notes she’s had to cut down a plant to start regrowth, but other times, it’s easier. “Sometimes [it’s] simply about changing the watering schedule,” she says.
As Bergman suggests, some issues require immediate intervention, while others just need a little tweak to your care routine. The key is to act quickly but thoughtfully, as overcorrecting can sometimes do more harm than good.
Plant Panic Levels
As you’re assessing your plant, that’s where the concept of “panic levels” comes in. By categorizing the symptoms, you can prioritize your actions and give your plant the care it needs — without overreacting.
After speaking with Bergman and Halbmaier — and injecting my own plant expertise — I created a guide to help you triage your plants. I broke down the physical signs your plant isn’t doing well and how to address them, arranged by panic level — from “Literally, it will be fine” to “SOS!”
Whether your plant is on its last leg or just needs a little TLC, I’ve got you covered with a clear action plan to nurse your green friend back to health.
Mildly Concerning (Literally, It Will Be Fine)
These are minor issues that are easy to fix — no need to stress!
Sign: Yellowing leaves at the bottom of the plant.
Causes: Natural aging or minor watering inconsistencies.
Solutions:
Remove yellowed leaves. This is mostly for aesthetic purposes, as older leaves naturally yellow and die off over time.
Adjust watering slightly. If the yellowing is due to minor overwatering or underwatering, tweak your routine but don’t overthink it.
Sign: A few crispy leaf tips.
Causes: Low humidity or buildup of salts from fertilizer.
Solutions:
Trim the crispy tips. Use clean scissors to snip off the damaged parts for a neater appearance.
Flush the soil. If the issue is due to mineral buildup, water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This helps flush out excess minerals that have been deposited in the soil.
Moderately Concerning (Needs Some Attention)
These signs indicate your plant is struggling but can recover with some adjustments.
Sign: Leaves are curling or drooping.
Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity.
Solutions:
Check your watering routine. Stick your finger an inch into the soil — if it’s dry, water; if it’s wet, wait. Consistency is key.
Increase humidity. For tropical plants, low humidity can cause leaves to curl. Mist the leaves regularly, place a humidifier nearby, or set the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Sign: Stunted growth or leggy appearance.
Causes: Insufficient light or nutrient deficiency.
Solutions:
Move to a brighter spot. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may become leggy as it stretches toward the light source. Relocate it to a brighter area or supplement with a grow light.
Feed the plant. Stunted growth can also be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Feed your plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the warmer months.
Urgently Concerning (Address Quickly)
These symptoms aren’t life-threatening yet, but they need to be addressed ASAP to prevent further damage.
Sign: Wilting leaves that don’t perk up after watering.
Causes: Root rot, pest infestation, or improper watering.
Solutions:
Inspect the roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot so you can do so. Healthy roots should be firm and white. If they’re brown, mushy, or smell bad, root rot is likely the culprit. Trim away the damaged roots with clean scissors and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Check for pests. Wilting can also be a sign of pests like fungus gnats or aphids. Inspect the leaves and soil for any signs of bugs. If you find any, treat the plant with insecticidal soap.
Adjust your watering routine. Wilting can occur if the plant is either overwatered or underwatered. Use a moisture meter or the finger test to determine when your plant needs water.
Sign: Brown or black spots on leaves.
Causes: Fungal infection, sunburn, or inconsistent watering.
Solutions:
Prune affected leaves. Use clean shears to remove any leaves with spots to prevent the issue from spreading.
Avoid wetting the leaves. When watering, aim for the soil rather than the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage fungal growth.
Relocate the plant. If the spots are due to sunburn, move the plant to a spot with filtered or indirect light. If it’s a fungal issue, ensure the plant has good air circulation to prevent further problems.
SOS! (Your Plant Is in Immediate Danger)
These signs mean your plant is in critical condition and needs immediate attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, drop everything and act fast.
Sign: Leaves are completely yellow or crispy, top to bottom.
Causes: Overwatering, underwatering, or extreme light issues.
Solutions:
Check the soil moisture. If the soil feels soggy or smells musty, your plant is likely suffering from overwatering. Carefully remove it from its pot, gently shake off the wet soil, and inspect the roots; if they’re brown and mushy, trim away the damaged parts with clean scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. On the other hand, if the soil is bone dry and pulling away from the edges of the pot, your plant is severely underwatered. Give it a thorough soak by placing the pot (as long as it has drainage holes) in a sink or tray of water for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the roots to absorb moisture. Once moist, let the excess water drain completely before returning it to its spot.
Assess the light conditions. If your plant is in direct sunlight and the leaves are crispy, it may be sunburned. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light. Conversely, if it’s in a dark corner and the leaves are yellowing, it might need more light.
Sign: White webbing along leaves and stems.
Cause: Spider mites.
Solutions:
Quarantine the plant immediately. Spider mites are highly contagious and can quickly spread to nearby plants. Move the affected plant to a separate room or area.
Treat the infestation by wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth and a few drops of dish soap to remove as many mites as possible. Then, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a miticide, following the product instructions. Be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves.
Inspect nearby plants. Check other plants that were close to the infested one, as spider mites can travel easily. Treat any affected plants promptly.
If you follow any of the above steps for a certain issue and don’t see improvement, you can try to continue adjusting your care. However, if your plant is at the most serious stage and still not improving it might be time to say goodbye. That’s OK, though, because it happens to everyone — even the pros! “I’ve killed just about every variety of plant [as I] learn[ed] what to do and what not to do!” Halbmaier says.
Further Reading
We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
