Plant questions

monstera

Why is my Monstera new leaf browning before it fully opens?

That brown edge on the new leaf is usually from stress while the leaf is still tightly rolled – most often low humidity, underwatering, or the leaf getting stuck and damaged. Check watering, light, and humidity, and focus on helping the next leaf grow in better.

fern (likely Boston fern)

How do I overwinter hanging ferns in a bright sunroom?

That sunroom spot should work well if the ferns get bright but not harsh direct sun and the air isn’t too hot or dry. Indoors, water whenever the top of the soil just starts to feel dry, which is often about once a week but depends on your room’s temperature and humidity.

mealybugs

What are the white bugs on my indoor succulent and will soap kill them?

Those white, fuzzy ovals are mealybugs (a type of sap‑sucking insect). Isolate the plant, wipe them off with cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol, then follow up with a gentle soapy or insecticidal soap spray repeated weekly until they’re gone.

How often should I water my houseplants?

There’s no one right schedule for all plants. Instead of watering once a week by habit, check the soil and water only when the top layer has dried to the level your specific plant prefers.

orchid

Does my orchid in a glass pot have root rot?

Yes, this orchid is suffering from severe root and possibly crown rot, made worse by sitting in a glass container with poor drainage. Take it out of the pot, cut away all mushy or hollow roots, and repot in fresh orchid bark with good drainage.

bird of paradise

Can I cut off side leaves to make my bird of paradise narrower?

Yes, you can remove a few outer leaves of a bird of paradise to slim its shape, as long as you cut each leaf cleanly at the base and don’t remove too many at once. This plant naturally grows wide, though, so be prepared that it will keep wanting that broad shape.

Can I leave my houseplants without water for 10 days while on vacation?

Some plants can handle 10 days without water, others will suffer or die. It depends mainly on the type of plant, pot size, and how hot and sunny the space is. If in doubt, set up a simple self‑watering method or ask someone to water once during your trip.

euphorbia (succulent type)

How often should I water this small succulent/euphorbia?

This is a succulent-type euphorbia, so water deeply but only when the soil is completely dry, then let it drain fully. In bright indoor light, that usually means about every 10–21 days, adjusting with the seasons and always checking the soil instead of the calendar.

How often should I water my plants in winter?

Most plants need much less water in winter—often about half as often as in summer. Check the soil with your finger and only water when the top layer feels dry, instead of following a fixed schedule.

pothos

What is happening to my pothos plant leaves?

This pothos looks generally healthy—those lighter green areas are normal variegation, not disease. Focus on steady care: bright indirect light, watering when the top soil dries, and good drainage.

snake plant

Why are my snake plant leaves bending and flopping over?

Snake plant leaves usually flop when they’re older, stretched from low light, or when roots are stressed by overwatering. Check that the roots are firm and the soil dries out fully between waterings, then give it a bit more light and support the heaviest leaves.

begonia

Why is my begonia dropping leaves after bringing it indoors?

The sudden move from outdoors to indoors has likely shocked the begonia, and the new light, temperature and watering routine are causing leaf drop. Give it bright indirect light, adjust watering so the top of the soil dries slightly between waterings, and trim any dead or mushy stems so it can regrow.

umbrella plant (Schefflera)

What is this tall houseplant with clusters of oval leaflets?

This is an umbrella plant, a Schefflera species often grown indoors as a tall houseplant. Start by giving it bright, indirect light and rotate it regularly so it doesn’t lean or get leggy.

calathea (prayer plant)

How can I save my dying calathea (prayer plant) with crispy, drooping leaves?

This calathea is badly stressed, most likely from a mix of very dry soil at times and root problems from poor watering or low humidity. Check the roots, repot into fresh mix if they’re still firm and pale, cut off the dead leaves, and then keep the soil lightly moist in medium, indirect light.