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Van Dorm Realty, Inc.
Anna-Lisa Schorn, Van Dorm Realty, Inc.Phone: (360) 701-9239
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The most common causes of dying plants

by Anna-Lisa Schorn 10/07/2024

Dying plants are a reality for every gardener and houseplant owner at some point in their lives. However, the more you know about common causes of death, the better you can prevent it and keep your plants healthy. Here are some of the most common causes of dying houseplants:

Over-watering

Watering plants too much and too often is the most common cause of dying houseplants. No matter the type of plant, it's very likely you don't need to water it as much as you would expect. Many popular houseplants are native to drought conditions, like succulents and cacti. While others like monstera and pothos come from tropical regions, they like to dry out completely before being watered.

Always check the soil with your finger or a moisture meter before you water. If it's wet, keep waiting until it dries out. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can be impossible for a dying plant to recover from.

Lack of sunlight

All plants need sunlight to live. With very few exceptions, even those plants marketed as “low-light” houseplants cannot survive without some natural light. Lack of light can cause discoloration, stunted growth, stretched-out or “leggy” growth patterns and other issues if not addressed.

If you think your plants are struggling due to lack of light, try moving them to a different spot with more sun. Make sure to do so gradually, however, as a sudden move won't give the plant time to adjust to a new environment. If you don't have enough natural light, try full-spectrum LED grow lights for additional support. While they can't fully replace the sun, they can make a huge difference in saving a dying plant.

About the Author
Author

Anna-Lisa Schorn

Since 1990 I've been happily helping people just like you realize their dream of home ownership, and loving every minute of it! I'm an educator by heart, so you won't feel overwhelmed with the whole process. I'll be there with you every step of the way and more! I've been where you are now more than once and I understand all the emotions and apprehensions that come with a move. If you're relocating, I will make sure you have all the information about neighborhoods, schools and services that are important to you. I am detail oriented and I have a strong background in research. I have my BA in Economics from Lewis & Clark College, and graduate studies in Counseling Psychology at St. Martin's University. I'm a graduate of the Masters Sales Academy for Realtors. I've also been an instructor for new real estate agents. I've been recognized with the National Sales Award "The Dozen" for being in the Top 5% of all Realtors & the local Realtors Thurston County Star Agent Award.