Why Your Plants Might Be Dying, According to Landscape Experts

Just like people, plants can also get sick. Unlike people, however, dying plants can't verbalize when or why they're sick, making it vital for plant parents to know the signs of poor plant health as well as how to rectify the issue.

Is Your Plant Dying? 11 Signs

Signs a plant may be sick or dying include:

1. Brown leaves or brown spots on leaves
2. Yellowing leaves
3. Dry, crispy, or wilting leaves
4. Limp or overly soft leaves
5. Shriveled, brittle stems
6. Excessive falling leaves (leaf drop)
7. Gnats and other pests
8. Mushy, black, and/or brown roots
9. No new growth or stunted growth (during growing seasons)
10. Bad-smelling soil
11. "Leggy" growth, or thin and stretched-out plant growth

7 Reasons Why Your Plant Could Be Dying (& How to Fix Them)

1. Too Much Sun

The Issue: Every plant species has different needs. Some thrive in full sun, while others need a little bit (or a lot) of shade. A plant that gets too much sun can actually get sunburned, a condition known as sunscald.

The Signs: Signs of sunscald in a plant include yellowing or whitened leaves, leaf drop, and wilting, fragile leaves.

The Solution: Check that the plant actually needs full-sun growing conditions before placing it in full light. Move plants to high-light areas slowly (if they require full sun). Pruning dead plant material.

2. Not Enough Sun

The Issue: Just as too much sun is an issue for some plants, so too is not enough sun. Plants need light for photosynthesis, meaning a lack of light can hinder this necessary process.

The Signs: Leggy growth and yellowing leaves are common signs of plants that are not getting enough sunlight.

The Solution: Check your plant's sunlight requirements. Slowly introduce the plant to more light. Pruning dead plant material.

3. Underwatering

The Issue: All life on Earth needs water to survive; plants are no exception. Depriving plants of water can lead to sick and dying plants.

The Signs: Signs that someone is underwatering plants include leaf drop, brown leaves, wilting leaves, brittle stems, and extremely dry soil.

The Solution: Check your plant's watering requirements. Place your finger a few inches into the soil; a lack of moisture can indicate underwatering. Invest in a gravity waterer or drip irrigation system to ensure plants get the water they need.

4. Overwatering

The Issue: Too much water can drown plants and cause lethal problems like root rot.

The Signs: Signs of overwatering can include overly soft leaves, foul-smelling soil, mushy stems, and brown roots.

The Solution: Check your plant's watering requirements. Stop watering. Replant in well-draining soil or in a pot with better drainage.

5. Pests

The Issue: Gnats, aphids, and other pests can feed on plants, depriving them of valuable nutrients.

The Signs: Signs of a pest infestation include plants with holes or a visible presence of pests.

The Solution: Reduce watering schedule. Apply diatomaceous earth (DE) to the soil surface.

6. Not Enough Space for Roots

The Issue: Plants need space to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Not enough space can choke roots, leading to plant death.

The Signs: Signs of a root-bound plant include poor plant growth, yellowing leaves, and roots growing through draining holes.

The Solution: Repotting or replanting to allow more space for roots.

7. No Soil Amendments

The Issue: Plants need nutrient-rich soil to thrive; plants that have been in one spot too long without any soil amendments, such as fertilizer, can deplete the soil of nutrients.

The Signs: Signs that a plant is in nutrient-depleted soil include brown or yellowing leaves and poor plant growth.

The Solution: Add organic matter, such as compost or fertilizer, to the soil.

Dying Plants FAQs

Can I revive my dying plant?

Sometimes, sick plants can be saved. Other times, nothing can be done for a dying plant. Typically, if a plant can be saved, it will still have relatively healthy roots (i.e., firm and white) with some green in the leaves.

Do brown sugar and baking soda really help plants grow?

No, there is no hard evidence that amending soil with brown sugar and baking soda helps plant growth.

What does an overwatered plant look like?

An overwatered plant can exhibit soft stems, mushy roots, and soggy leaves.

How do you care for indoor plants?

Different plant species thrive under different conditions. The best way to care for an indoor plant is to study the specific needs of the species you are interested in.

Ask yourself:

• What are its sunlight requirements? Does it need full sun? Partial shade? Full shade?
• What are its watering requirements?
• What type of soil does it need?
• How large will the root system get?

Answering these questions can help you better determine what a plant will need to thrive under your care or if it's the best fit for you.

Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow and falling off?

A plant's leaves may yellow and drop for a number of reasons, including not getting enough sun, getting too much sun, and not getting enough water.

Can I hire professionals for gardening maintenance?

Yes, you can hire professional landscapers like the team at Poynter Landscape Architecture & Construction to help with garden plantings and garden maintenance.