We love having plants in the house. Especially if we live in an apartment. They put us in contact with nature, perfume the environment, renew oxygen and purify the air we breathe.
But if the leaves look yellow, wilted, or have black spots , that means something is wrong.
Although indoor plants are easier to maintain, we have to learn to take care of them, because the mistakes we make will make them look ugly first and then die.
1- Expose them to the sun for too long
Not all plants need and tolerate direct sun for long . Among these we can count succulents and cacti. For the rest, if we expose them to UV rays, the green leaves will burn and turn dark, which will make them look wilted and blackened. Brown or yellow spots will appear on the leaves, and over time they will begin to fall.
To avoid this, we can use veils or screens that filter the sun’s rays , or place the pot so that it receives the light bounced off the wall.
2- Water them excessively
As with the sun, not all plants need the same amount of water . Cacti can go longer without water and tropical plants need more hydration. Too much water causes the soil to turn into a puddle and the roots cannot breathe normally or absorb nutrients from the soil. Consequently, the leaves will turn black and the plant will die.
We can solve it if we check that the soil has moisture. Even when the surface seems dry, we have to make sure if the deeper layers have moisture. We can do this with our fingers, a pencil or a skewer stick. If there is humidity, we can suspend watering until necessary.
3- Leave dust on the leaves
If it is a plant with large leaves, the dust that settles on them forms a layer that covers the pores and prevents them from breathing . This not only affects the aesthetic part of the plant but also its vital functions and photosynthesis. The layer of dust reduces the amount of sunlight and impairs plant growth.
We can avoid this if we clean the leaves at least once a week with a cloth damp with water or alcohol .
4- Use too much fertilizers
As with sun and water, while fertilizer helps plants grow, too much makes it difficult.
Too many nutrients overwhelm the plant, which cannot process them, causing it to dry, burn, and stop growing. In addition, it makes them more susceptible to certain diseases. Excess salts in the soil can burn the roots , so the plants will grow weak, with dark, drooping leaves.
We can avoid this if we use the fertilizer following the instructions , the appropriate amount and at the indicated times.
5- Wrong size of the pot
Plants do not all have the same needs. Some have a long root system and need a container according to their extension. If they are in a small pot, the roots will become crowded and lose strength, which will affect the growth of the plant.
On the other hand, if the plant has small roots and is located in a large pot, the soil will have excess moisture, which can cause the roots to rot. In both situations, the leaves will look unhealthy or outright wilted.
We can consult with a gardener or in our nursery for the appropriate pot size.
