Trouble in the Leaves? Common Houseplant Problems and How to Fix Them
If you’ve ever walked into Helton House Aesthetics, you’ve probably noticed one thing right away: the plants. I’ve always loved how greenery brings warmth and calm into a space. Clients mention it all the time — and it makes me smile every single day.
But real talk? Those thriving, happy plants don’t come without a little TLC… and maybe a few lessons learned the hard way. Even seasoned plant lovers run into issues. So if your plants aren’t looking their best lately, don’t worry — you’re not alone! Let’s talk about some of the most common houseplant problems and how to get your leafy friends back on track.
1. Yellow Leaves
if your plants aren't being over watered, try moving them to a location where they get less intense light. You can often tell that's the issue by the leaves Browning and turning crispy
💚 What’s happening?
Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering. Yep — too much love can hurt!
🌱 What to do:
Check the soil moisture before you water. If the top 1–2 inches are still damp, wait.
Make sure your pot has good drainage.
Cut back watering during colder months when plants are less thirsty.
2. Brown, Crispy Edges
💔 What’s happening?
This usually points to low humidity or salt build-up from tap water.
🌱 What to do:
Use a humidifier nearby or set your plant on a pebble tray with water.
Water with filtered or distilled water to avoid mineral build-up.
Trim the brown edges — they won’t turn green again, but trimming helps with overall health.
3. Droopy Leaves
😴 What’s happening?
Your plant could be under-watered… or over-watered (tricky, right?).
🌱 What to do:
Feel the soil. If it’s bone dry, give it a drink.
If it’s soggy, repot in dry soil and reduce watering until it perks up.
Observe how it responds and adjust your schedule accordingly.
4. Pests (Like Fungus Gnats or Spider Mites)
🐛 What’s happening?
Tiny bugs can be a real pain and often show up in overly damp soil or dusty leaves.
🌱 What to do:
Let the top layer of soil dry out to deter gnats.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly.
Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap as a gentle, natural solution.
5. Stunted Growth
📏 What’s happening?
If your plant seems stuck, it could be root-bound, lacking nutrients, or not getting enough light.
🌱 What to do:
Check if the roots are circling the pot — time to repot if they are.
Move your plant closer to a window or supplement with grow lights.
Fertilize during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
A Final Word from My Jungle to Yours
Plants bring so much joy — and yes, they can be finicky sometimes, but they’re totally worth it. Don’t give up if your monstera is moody or your pothos seems pouty. Like skin, every plant is unique and may need a little trial and error to find what works best.
And hey, if you ever want to chat plant care or just need a confidence boost in your houseplant journey, you know where to find me. You're always welcome at Helton House — home of glowing skin and thriving greenery.
Until next time, keep growing. 🌿💚
— Niki
