University of Illinois Extension
Houseplants
Plant Health
Improper watering, sudden changes in environment, cold drafts, lack of fertilizer, insect or disease attack may cause problems for houseplants.
Common Causes of Unhealthy Plants
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
| General defoliation | • Sudden change in temperature • Transplanting shock • Sudden change in light intensity • Over-watering • Lack of light |
| Browning of leaf tips | • Improper watering • Exposure to cold drafts • Insect attack • Excess fertilizer |
| Loss of normal foliage color | • Over-watering • Lack of fertilizer • Insect attack • Improper light |
| Spotted foliage | • Over-watering • Burning from direct sunlight • Disease |
