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Jeffrey Hawkins, Robcon RealtyPhone: (760) 822-5384
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Dying plants: The 2 most common causes

by Jeffrey Hawkins 10/23/2022

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

Jeffrey Hawkins

 Robcon Realty is a family-run real estate company located in Vista, CA. Bob Peterson has been a broker for nearly 40 years, and founded Robcon Realty with his wife, Connie Peterson. Their daughter, Robin Hawkins, followed in their footsteps and has been practicing real estate for over 18 years. Over the past few years, four of Bob and Connie’s grandchildren have become real estate agents themselves to continue the proven track record of excellence and joy our family business has provided in finding the perfect home for you.