Whether you’re a beginner houseplant gardener or you’ve invested countless hours and dollars into your home’s plant collection, you’ve likely endured the heartache of common houseplant pests and diseases. Even the easiest houseplants require careful maintenance and ongoing care, and watching them struggle without understanding why is a frustrating ordeal. 

In this guide, learn how to diagnose the most common houseplant issues including root rot, common houseplant pests, and incorrect water levels, and learn how to treat them through solutions like the best houseplant fertilizer and houseplant potting mix. 

Indoor Gardening Problems 

The most common indoor gardening problems are water or light imbalances, root rot, pests, diseases, and soil issues. In many cases, gardeners notice symptoms gradually developing long before they manage to identify and treat them. Whether you’re seeing yellow houseplant leaves, splotches on your foliage, stunted growth, or houseplant pests, take quick action to diagnose and treat your plants. 

Root Rot Diagnosis and Treatment

Root rot occurs when a plant’s roots don’t receive enough oxygen, which usually happens due to overwatering or lack of drainage. Root rot can be difficult to pinpoint without removing your plant from its pot, but if your pot lacks drainage holes, it’s one of your prime suspects. Above the soil, common symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilted leaves, mushy stems, and stunted growth. Your soil may feel constantly wet. 

If you notice any of those symptoms, gently pull your plant from its pot. Observe the roots: if they’re white or tan and firm in texture, your plant is safe from root rot. Black or brown roots mean your plant is suffering from root rot. 

The good news is, root rot is not a death sentence for your plants if you catch it early! Gently fluff the roots to find out whether some of your root system is still healthy. If you find some healthy, white roots, it’s time to cut away the rotted roots and replant in fresh, clean soil. Prioritize drainage in your chosen pot and in your soil – the best houseplant potting mix is Magic Mix, which is breathable while holding moisture so you can water less frequently. Trim back yellow or wilted leaves to give your plant a chance to heal and regenerate without sending energy to damaged foliage. 

Common Houseplant Pests and How to Eliminate Them

Finding bugs in houseplant soil or hiding beneath leaves is unsettling. Not only have the uninvited visitors made their way into your home, they also pose a threat to your hard-fought indoor garden. A few of the most common houseplant pests include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. 

If you notice bugs in houseplant soil, the best first step is to repot your plants in clean, fresh soil and sterilize their pot. Wipe down all leaves to remove any tiny species from their hideout. Then, use BugHut’s Insect Control to naturally and safely prevent common houseplant pests from returning to your indoor garden. 

Fungal Diseases in Indoor Gardening

Houseplant issues with symptoms like spotty leaves, powdery growth, or fuzzy patches are generally caused by fungal diseases. Leaf spot, gray mold, and powdery mildew all rear their ugly heads indoors as well as outdoors. 

To treat fungal diseases, first remove the affected part of the plant or soil since these issues can spread quickly. Promote a slightly drier environment for the plant, whether by adding circulation with a fan or experimenting with increased sunlight. Keep the leaves dry and decrease watering, keeping a close eye on the plant’s reaction. To prevent a recurrence of fungus or to prevent its arrival in the first place, apply BugHut’s Organic Fungicide for a safe and natural solution.

Watering and Light

Yellow houseplant leaves, slow growth, and other houseplant concerns often come down to a slight miscalculation in one of the two plant care cornerstones: water and light. Plants can be picky about where they like to sit and how much water they prefer. Reference guidance for your specific plant species to determine the probable cause for these common issues. 

If you find that sticking to a watering schedule is difficult or that seasonal temperature changes in your home cause problems for your plants, they may need some extra support. Consider adding BugHut’s De-stressor to your next watering mixture to help your houseplants grow strong through periods of change. 

Ideal Soil Conditions and Houseplant Potting Mix

In addition to giving them the optimal amounts of water and light, it’s also crucial to nourish your indoor garden with the best houseplant fertilizer and houseplant potting mix. For best results, houseplant potting mix should retain moisture so that your plants can receive even nourishment over time. Natural and organic fertilizer alternatives can help improve growth and hardiness in your indoor gardening efforts. 

Many houseplant enthusiasts struggle to find effective products that don’t compromise the safety of their family or their eco-friendly values. With BugHut, you can set your plants up for success with peat-free Magic Mix and all-natural Booster. These non-toxic, organic indoor gardening products can transform your houseplants from struggling to striving, while still prioritizing the earth.