Plant questions

pothos (money plant)

Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow after repotting?

Those yellow leaves are most likely from stress after repotting plus soil that’s staying too wet. Check that the pot drains well, let the soil dry a bit between waterings, and trim off the worst yellow leaves.

Are these white insects on my plant mealybugs and how do I get rid of them?

Those fluffy white insects in the leaf joint are mealybugs. Isolate the plant, wipe them off with cotton dipped in diluted rubbing alcohol, and repeat weekly, adding insecticidal soap or neem oil if they keep coming back.

protea

How can I save my potted protea that is browning and sparse?

The protea in the photo is stressed, likely from a mix of poor drainage/over‑watering and an unsuitable potting mix. Trim back the dead stems, improve drainage, and refresh with a very free‑draining, low‑fertility mix, then water deeply but only when the top of the mix has dried out.

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.

elephant ear

What are the white bugs on my elephant ear leaves and how do I get rid of them?

Those white specks are almost certainly sap‑sucking pests like mealybugs or soft scale that came home with the new plant. Isolate the plant, wipe every leaf with soapy water or alcohol, and repeat regularly until you don’t see any more.

What are the best basic tips for a beginner plant owner?

Start by choosing easy plants, matching them to your light, and learning when to water from the soil—not the calendar. Keep things simple: good light, proper watering, and a pot with drainage will prevent most beginner problems.

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.

philodendron

What are the white spots on my philodendron leaves and how do I fix them?

Those white speckles are most likely residue or old leaf damage, not a new disease. Try wiping a leaf to see if it comes off; clean the leaves, remove badly marked ones, and adjust watering and misting so it doesn’t keep happening.

Alocasia (African mask / Alocasia x amazonica)

Why are my Alocasia (African mask) leaves getting yellow and brown patches?

Those yellow and brown patches are usually from stress to the roots and leaf tissue, most often from inconsistent or heavy watering plus strong light or low humidity. Check the roots and soil moisture, adjust watering, and move the plant to bright filtered light with higher humidity.

century plant (agave)

Is this root rot on my century plant pups and can I still save them?

The dark, mushy tissue at the base does look like rot, likely from staying too wet, and the pups didn’t have time to grow strong roots. Cut back to firm, healthy tissue, let the pieces dry and callus, then replant in very well‑draining soil and keep almost dry until new roots form.

bougainvillea

How should I repot a rootbound bougainvillea that isn’t growing or flowering?

The bougainvillea is rootbound and stuck in a narrow soil column. Shift it into a slightly larger pot, gently loosen and tease apart the outer roots, and prune only a small amount if they’re tightly circling. Use very well‑draining soil and full sun to get new growth and future blooms.