Yellow, Brown, and Wilted Leaves on Houseplants

Yellow, brown, and wilted leaves on houseplants can mean too much or not enough water. So what’s a gardener to do?

Gather basic care information on your plants and their preferred growing conditions. Some plants, like peace lily, must have evenly moist soils while others like jade plants prefer drier soil for best results.

Evaluate your current watering schedule. Plants growing in bright sunlight and hot locations will dry out faster than those in low light or cooler areas of your home. And don’t overwater your plants to compensate for a lack of light.

Water plants thoroughly so the excess water runs out the bottom of the pot. Set the pot on pebbles in the saucer so the plant won’t sit in the excess water that collects.

Use your finger as a moisture meter. Push it several inches into the soil and water when the soil is appropriately dry for the plants you are growing.

A bit more information: Excess fertilizer can also cause yellowing and browning of houseplant leaves. Make sure your plants need a nutrient boost before fertilizing. Plants growing in low light or those that are beginning to outgrow their location need minimal fertilization. If you decide to fertilize, apply a dilute solution of houseplant fertilizer when the plants are actively growing. You can always add more if needed.