Plant problems: what is wrong with my plant?
Pick the symptom you see. Each guide lists the likely causes, how to tell them apart, what to do and the university extension or horticultural society pages the advice comes from.
Not sure what is wrong? Scan your plant.
Scan your plantLeaf problems 6
- Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?Yellow leaves are usually a sign of stress from the plant's surroundings, and too much water is the most common cause indoors.
- Brown tips on leaves: causes and fixesBrown leaf tips are most often caused by dry indoor air.
- Brown crispy edges on leaves: causes and fixesBrown, crispy leaf edges usually mean the plant is losing water faster than it can take it up.
- Why Are My Plant's Leaves Curling?Houseplant leaves curl when the plant is too dry at the roots, when the air is dry and the light is bright, or when sap-sucking pests such as aphids or mites feed on new growth.
- Black or Brown Spots on Houseplant LeavesSpots can come from a fungus, bacteria, or care problems like too much sun, cold water, spray damage or overwatering.
- White Powder on Leaves (Powdery Mildew)A white, dusty coating on leaves and stems is usually powdery mildew, a fungus.
Water, roots and growth 3
- Why is my plant drooping or wilting?Wilting means the roots are not supplying enough water to the leaves and stems.
- Root Rot and Mushy Plant Stems: Signs and FixesA plant that wilts while the soil is wet, or has a soft, mushy stem base, may have root rot caused by soil fungi.
- Leggy, Stretched Plant Growth (Etiolation): Causes and FixesA leggy houseplant usually is not getting enough light.
Pests and sticky leaves 4
- Why Are My Houseplant's Leaves Sticky?Sticky leaves are usually honeydew, a sugary substance left by insects that suck sap.
- Tiny Webs on a Houseplant: Spider MitesFine webbing plus tiny yellowish specks on the leaves usually means spider mites.
- Small Flies in Houseplant Soil: Fungus GnatsSmall dark flies running on the soil of a houseplant are usually fungus gnats.
- White Cotton-Like Bugs on Your Plant: MealybugsWhite cottony fluff on a houseplant is often mealybugs, small soft-bodied insects that suck plant juices.
Have a dog or cat that chews plants? Check Plant safety for dogs and cats.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what is wrong with my houseplant?
Look at which leaves are affected and how they look (yellow, brown tips, spots, webs, sticky), then match it to the guides on this page. You can also scan a photo of the plant with Plant Doctor.
Do these guides replace a vet or a plant expert?
No. They summarize advice from university extension services and horticultural societies. If a pet chewed a plant, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.
Plant Doctor is free. If it helped, you can
Buy Apollo a treatAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
Sources: the university extension and horticultural society pages listed above. Last reviewed October 2026.