Indoor plant common problems and simple remedies to save them from dying. Definitely we can prevent further spreading, if we take timely precautions.
Why we prefer indoor plants ?
Really most of us prefer indoor gardening due to lack of sufficient space outdoors. Especially for those who reside in apartments or flats, keeping indoor plants, is more convenient.
In addition to their beauty, most of these are low light plants that require only minimum caring.
Spider plant, Aglaonema, Snake plant, Money plant, ZZ plant etc. are best examples of low-maintenance indoor plants.
Remember that they are not totally free from diseases or other such problems. The health as well as beauty of our plants, are really based on the way we take care of them.
However in tropical climates, attacks from insects are comparatively lower. Also, bacterial or fungal diseases are not a severe problem in these places.
But surely there are a lot of other issues, that can make our plants unhealthy.
Most of us are truly having a special attachment with our indoor plants. Especially like our pets, these plants are also having a special place in our lives. Hence, we can understand even the slightest changes that can happen to them.
Let us see the common problems of indoor plants in tropical climates.
Wilting-Indoor plant problems and remedies
Really wilting is one of the most common problems that we can see for garden plants, either indoors or outdoors. Usually we can identify the symptoms in plants with leaves or stems that are drooping.
Reasons and remedies
Lack of sufficient water
Over watering
Poor drainage for the pot
Water logged medium
Root bound medium
Presence of chemicals in water
Chemical based fertilizer
There are many reasons for wilting in garden plants. Among that, the most important one, is lack of sufficient water. At the same time, over watering can also be another reason.
We can fix this problem by adjusting the quantity of water that we use. For this first check the medium to find the condition.
Succulents and Cacti are best examples of plants, that are affected by over watering in a faster way.
By inserting our fingers about two inches deep in the potting medium, we can feel the moisture content. If it is mushy or muddy, avoid watering till it becomes dry.
At the same time, add moderate quantity of water at intervals, if it is too dry.
Always remember to check whether there is proper drainage for the pot. Most of our indoor plants prefer a sandy medium. Especially for absorption of nutrients as well as oxygen in an easy way.
Also there are more chances for root rotting in a water logged medium. Likewise root rotting can occur in plants, as a result of certain types of diseases.
We must always take special attention to indoor flowering plants like Adenium, Kalanchoe etc. against root rotting.
In a root bound medium, the plant has the tendency to die faster due to lack of sufficient water or improper aeration.
Repotting with fresh medium
Removing the infected parts of the roots can save the plant from further attacks. You can do this easily by cutting the roots with a sharp knife or scissors.
Remember to take the plant out of the pot along with the medium very carefully for this.
You should repot your plant after filling fresh potting medium. Adding small quantities of neem seed powder can save your plant from many problems.
Certainly the presence of chlorine or other such chemicals in the water we use, is another reason.
Avoid using chlorinated tap water for your plants. Use distilled water instead, if possible.
In addition, feeding the plant with chemical based fertilizers, can make our indoor plants unhealthy.
Organic fertilizers such as dried compost or cow dung is the best alternative for this.
Browning tips and yellowing of leaves-Indoor plant problems and remedies
Reasons and remedies
Exposure to heat and excess light
Shortage of sufficient light
Bacterial or fungal diseases
It is very common among indoor plants, to form brown tips or yellowing of leaves. In certain plants, the same reasons as stated above for wilting, can cause these problems.
Exposure to heat, excess sunlight etc. are also reasons for problems with your indoor plants.
For our kitchen plants, we can find places with considerable distance from heating gadgets.
Scorching, yellowing or burning of leaves, are symptoms seen in indoor plants that are exposed to excess light.
The short stemmed plants can become leggy, due to shortage of sufficient light. Surely this problem can adversely affect the beauty of the plant.
Besides, certain plants can lose the bright green colour as well as luster, if the lighting is extremely low.
Changing places occasionally according to the nature of the plant, can solve these problems to a certain extent.
Black or brown spots on leaves are symptoms of infections. Preferably, that are caused by bacteria or fungus. You can use some of organic remedies for this, after removing all the infected parts of the plant.
Attacks from pests-Indoor plant problems and remedies
Above all, certain types of pests can attack your indoor bonsai trees. Mostly trees like the Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus alii, Jade etc. Wrinkles or folding of leaves are the commonly found symptoms.
Surely, you can try some organic pesticides for this. If you don’t get positive results, you should use some chemical based remedies.
Always remember to keep the plant outdoors for a few days, while using such pesticides.
After finding the right cause, you can apply remedies, whichever is suitable for your plant.
You can definitely try the above simple remedies, for indoor plant problems.
Make your garden really awesome with beautiful as well as healthy plants.
