Plant questions

variegated monstera

What should I do with my new variegated Monstera with browned leaves?

Those badly browned leaves are old damage, not a disease. You can safely cut off the worst ones and let the plant settle in its pot for a few weeks, only repotting if it’s very rootbound.

Alocasia (African mask/Polly type)

Why are the leaves on my Alocasia always drying up even though soil stays wet?

The soil staying constantly wet is likely causing root rot, so the plant can’t take up water and the leaves dry and die. Let the soil dry out between waterings, check for drainage holes, and repot into a well‑draining mix if the roots look mushy or black.

clivia

Why are the lower leaves on my clivia turning yellow?

The oldest leaves at the bottom are yellowing from either normal aging plus a bit of stress, usually from staying too wet on a windowsill. Let the top of the soil dry before watering again, empty the saucer, and remove the fully yellow leaves.

peace lily

Why are the leaves on my peace lily turning yellow?

This is a peace lily, and the yellow, droopy lower leaves are usually from watering problems—most often the roots staying too wet in a pot with poor drainage. Check for a drainage hole, let excess water run out, trim the worst leaves, and adjust watering so the top of the soil dries slightly between waterings.

ZZ plant

How often should I water my ZZ plant in warmer months?

In warm months, most ZZ plants need watering about every 2–3 weeks, but always check the soil—only water when the top half of the pot is completely dry.

Alocasia (African mask)

What are the yellow-edged spots on my Alocasia (African mask) leaves?

Those yellow-rimmed brown spots are most likely a leaf spot issue, often from moisture staying on the leaves or a stressed, overwatered Alocasia. Remove the worst leaf, keep the foliage dry, and adjust watering and airflow so it doesn’t spread.

bromeliad

Why does my bromeliad have sudden yellow dead spots on the leaves?

Those yellow, dead patches on the bromeliad’s leaves are most likely sun or light burn, or old mechanical damage that’s now drying out—not a fast-spreading disease. Move the plant a little farther from strong lights or hot sun, keep the central cup just moist (not the potting mix soggy), and trim off only the worst damaged areas.

monstera

Should I trim burned leaves on my Monstera and when should I repot it?

Those brown, crispy patches are old sunburn and won’t heal, but you don’t have to rush to cut them off—only trim if they really bother you or if a leaf is mostly damaged. Repot once you see roots circling the pot or poking from the drainage holes, ideally in the growing season (spring–summer).

Why are the lower leaves of my houseplant turning bright yellow?

The oldest leaves are yellowing from stress, usually from watering issues plus lower light. Check that the pot drains freely, empty any standing water from the saucer, then adjust watering so the top of the soil dries slightly before you water again.

heartleaf philodendron

Why are the leaves on my heartleaf philodendron turning yellow and brown?

Those yellowing leaves are usually from watering issues plus normal aging of the oldest leaves. Check the soil and drainage, adjust your watering schedule, and remove the already-yellow leaves.

Monstera adansonii

How do I care for my Monstera adansonii (Swiss cheese plant) with holey leaves?

This is a Monstera adansonii, and the holes are normal for this plant, not damage. Give it bright, indirect light, water when the top soil dries, and provide a loose, well‑draining mix so it keeps making healthy, holey leaves instead of yellow, torn ones.

anthurium (flamingo flower)

Why does my anthurium have brown spots on the leaves?

Those brown spots with yellowish halos are most likely leaf burn or a leaf-spot infection starting on your anthurium. Remove the worst leaves, improve air flow, and keep water off the leaves; if new spots keep appearing, treat it as a fungal/bacterial leaf spot problem.

Is it normal for houseplants to move and change direction overnight?

Yes, many plants move their stems and leaves toward light or with day–night cycles. What you’re seeing is normal plant behavior, not your imagination.

earth star (Cryptanthus)

What kind of plant is this pink striped rosette houseplant?

This is an Earth Star, a type of bromeliad from the Cryptanthus group. Grow it in bright indirect light, keep the soil just slightly moist, and it will keep that pretty pink color.