DIY Network

Advice from the Houseplant Doctor Causes and remedies for some of the more common houseplant ailments. From "The Dirt On..." episode DTDO-112

Houseplants can be tricky because let's face it, plants don't pack their bags and move in to your windowsill on their own. It's just not natural, but that doesn't mean it can't work. Plenty of plants will make themselves right at home where you do, but if you're not careful they can turn on you. Here's a quick lesson in how to play houseplant doctor so you can diagnose and cure some of the most common ailments.

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Figure A

Salt Burn

Symptoms of salt or tip burn include: brown leaf tips, wilting even if the soil is moist, lower leaves dropping off, and white residue on the soil or container. A couple of these symptoms can be caused by other problems, but if you see that salt build-up on your soil or container, you've got your answer.

To remedy the situation, remove any white residue on the soil and remove the plant from the container if there is salt buildup on the pot. Thoroughly rinse the soil. Bring your plant over to the sink and soak it, letting it completely drain out. Give it one more rinse after that just to be sure.

To prevent this from happening again, make sure to pay attention to the amount of fertilizer you're giving the plant. This "salt" can be the result of a fertilizer overdose. The label will tell you the exact amount to feed your plant so you don't have to guess.

Salt build up can also be caused by the way you water. If you have a saucer below your plant and you don't empty it out, your plant will eventually suck that water back up. This water is full of fertilizer so you're really giving your plant a double dose. When you water you should either let the excess drain out in the sink or use a turkey baster to suck up the water that collects in the saucer below (figure A).

Figure B

Too Much Light

If your plant is in an area where it's receiving too much light, some symptoms you might notice are curling leaves or leaves with brown, yellow or white spots on them. If you've noticed this on one of your plants, there may be a hidden culprit at work here — leaf shine products. You should never apply leaf shine products (or the "homemade version" mayonnaise) to plants that receive full sun. This acts like tanning oil for your plants and they'll just cook. If the leaves are dirty, wipe them clean with a soft cloth instead.

Move your plant to an east or west-facing window because a south-facing window will receive the most light. Keeping your plants consistently will help them as well, because they won't be as susceptible to drying out.

While you're checking the exposure in your house look at your other houseplants. They might be suffering from too light, exhibiting symptoms like small pale leaves (figure B, LEFT) or leaf drop, and you can move them into the spot you just cleared right next to the window. Watch them to make sure this is the right spot and remember, no shiny stuff.

Curled and wilted leaves may be an indicator of overwatering.

Too Much or Too Little Water

A lot of people are compulsive about watering and think it's a cure-all, but you can give your plant too much. Symptoms that a plant has been over-watered include curled, wilted leaves, mushy stems and black leaves.

On the other hand, if you're not watering enough you'll notice brown spots, leaves or buds dropping and it will stop blooming.

No matter what you've heard or what fits into your routine best, your plants can't be watered on a set schedule. Watch them, get your hands in the soil and water them when they need it.