Common Plant Problems & Solutions

Home Composting & Plant Care

Plants can't talk, but they show signs when something is wrong. If you learn to read your plants, you can solve most issues before they get serious.

🍂 1. Yellow Leaves

Cause: Usually overwatering, lack of nutrients, or poor drainage.

Solution:

  • Check the soil: if it's always wet → reduce watering.
  • Add a handful of compost or vermicompost.
  • Ensure your pot has a drainage hole.

👉 Tip:

A few old leaves turning yellow is normal. Don't worry unless many leaves are affected.

🪱 2. Stunted Growth (Plant not growing)

Cause: Poor soil, not enough sunlight, or overcrowding.

Solution:

  • Shift the plant to a sunnier spot.
  • Add fresh compost/manure to improve soil fertility.
  • Thin out overcrowded seedlings so each plant has space.

🪱 3. Pest Attacks (Insects on leaves and stems)

Cause: Aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, or ants.

Solution:

  • Spray neem oil solution (5 ml neem oil + 1 liter water + few drops soap).
  • Remove insects by hand or wash them off with a strong spray of water.
  • Grow marigold, basil, or mint nearby to naturally repel pests.

🌫️ 4. Fungal Infections (White powder or black spots)

Cause: Too much humidity or water on leaves.

Solution:

  • Spray baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda + 1 liter water).
  • Always water at the base, not on the leaves.
  • Improve airflow by pruning crowded plants.

🌱 5. Wilting Plants (Drooping leaves)

Cause: Either underwatering or root damage.

Solution:

  • Check the soil — if dry → water deeply.
  • If soil is wet and plant is still wilting → roots may be rotting. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil.

🪴 6. Roots Coming Out of Pot

Cause: Plant has outgrown the pot (rootbound).

Solution: Repot into a larger container with fresh soil and compost.

💡 Golden Rule for Troubleshooting

Here's the key to solving plant problems:

  • Look at the soil first. 80% of problems start with wrong watering or poor soil.
  • Check sunlight. Many weak plants are just not getting enough light.
  • Observe daily. Spend 2–3 minutes with your plants each morning. The earlier you notice changes, the easier they are to fix.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • Walk through your plants today and note:
    • Any yellow leaves?
    • Any pests under leaves?
    • Is soil too wet or too dry?
  • Take one simple corrective step (add compost, prune a yellow leaf, or spray neem oil).
  • Watch the plant over the next 7 days to see improvement.