Why Your Indoor Plants are Dying and How to Save Them

A green thumb is supposedly a person’s ability to make plants thrive. For some people, keeping a plant alive and thriving seems so effortless. For others, not so much. There are people who claim that, no matter what they do, their plants seem to die after a few weeks.

Right now, it’s fashionable to be a plant parent. Many young people care for different vegetation inside their homes not just for decor, but to improve their mental health as well. Indoor plants have been shown to improve air quality and provide a sense of peace and tranquility.

However, if you are one of the people who have difficulty keeping your plants alive, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many things can cause indoor plants to die, but with a bit of detective work, you can save them.

Not Enough Sunlight

One of the most common reasons indoor plants die is because they don’t get enough sunlight. Most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. If you can’t provide your plants with that much sun, then you’ll need to find a place for them that does. South-facing windows are the best place to put your plants if you can’t give them direct sunlight.

Too Much Sunlight

On the other hand, if your plants are getting too much sunlight, they will start to turn brown and die. This is because the sun can actually scorch the leaves of a plant. If this is happening to your plants, you’ll need to move them to a place where they will get less sun.

Not Enough Water

Another common reason indoor plants die is that they’re not getting enough water. Most plants need to be watered at least once a week, but some need to be watered more often than that. To figure out how often to water your plants, you can either check the soil or use a watering can. If the soil is dry an inch below the surface, then it’s time to water your plants.

Too Much Water

Another reason indoor plants might be dying is that they’re being given too much water. Overwatering can kill a plant just as quickly as underwatering. The best way to avoid overwatering is to wait until the top of the soil feels dry before watering your plant again. You can also buy plants that are drought-tolerant to help reduce the chances of overwatering.

Poor Drainage

If your plant’s pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, then the water will just sit in the bottom and your plant will eventually drown. To avoid this, make sure to get a pot with a drainage hole or put your plant in a tray filled with gravel. This will help to keep the soil dry and prevent your plant from drowning.

Incorrect Soil

Another reason indoor plants might be dying is that their soil isn’t correct for their needs. Some plants like acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. You can buy a soil testing kit from most garden stores to find out what type of soil your plants need.

Fungus

If your plant is covered in white or black powder, then it might have a fungus. Fungus can be deadly to plants and is difficult to get rid of. The best way to prevent fungus is to make sure your plants are getting the correct amount of water and light. You can also treat your plants with a fungicide if they get infected.

Insects

Insects can also be deadly to plants. If you see any bugs on your plant, remove them immediately using bug spray or insecticidal soap.

Once you have an infestation, it may become difficult to get rid of whatever pests have already infiltrated your home. If this is the case, you might need to call in a professional. Look for residential pest control services in your area.

Bad Air Quality

If your plants are near a radiator, or in a drafty area, they might be dying because of the bad air quality. Plants need clean air to thrive, and if they’re constantly surrounded by pollutants, then they will eventually die. To help your plants breathe, move them to a place where they will get plenty of fresh air.

The level of humidity is also important for plants. Most plants do well in a humidity level of 50-60 percent. If the humidity in your home is below that, you can buy a humidifier to increase the level of humidity.

These are just a few of the reasons why indoor plants might be dying. With a bit of detective work, you can usually find out what’s wrong and save your plants. So don’t give up on your green thumb just yet, keep trying and you’ll be able to save your plants in no time.