Pests & Problems

Identify and treat common house plant pests, diseases, and issues

Common Plant Problems

House plants can face various challenges, from pests to diseases to environmental issues. Early identification and proper treatment are key to keeping your plants healthy. Browse our comprehensive guides below to diagnose and fix problems affecting your indoor garden.

Severe Critical Issues

These problems can be fatal if not addressed quickly

Root Rot

Comprehensive guide to understanding, preventing, and treating root rot in house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Yellowing leaves, often starting with lower leaves
  • Wilting despite moist or wet soil
  • Mushy, soft, or blackened stems near soil line
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Moderate Common Pests

These pests require attention but are manageable with proper treatment

Leaf Spot Disease

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing fungal and bacterial leaf spot diseases on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Dark brown or black spots on leaves with defined edges
  • Yellow halo often surrounding spots
  • Spots may have concentric rings (target pattern)
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Mealybugs

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing mealybug infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • White, cottony masses on stems, leaves, and leaf joints
  • Sticky honeydew on leaves and surfaces below plant
  • Yellowing leaves and stunted growth
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Powdery Mildew

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing powdery mildew fungal disease on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • White or grayish powdery coating on leaf surfaces
  • Powder appears like flour dusted on leaves
  • Usually starts on upper leaf surfaces
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Scale Insects

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing scale insect infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Brown, tan, or white bumps on stems and leaves that look like part of the plant
  • Sticky honeydew coating on leaves and nearby surfaces
  • Yellowing leaves and leaf drop
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Spider Mites

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing spider mite infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Fine webbing on leaves and stems, especially at leaf joints
  • Tiny moving dots on undersides of leaves (often red, brown, or yellow)
  • Yellow or white stippling on leaf surfaces
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Thrips

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing thrips infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Silvery streaks or scars on leaves
  • Distorted, curled, or stunted new growth
  • Tiny black dots on leaves (thrips excrement)
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Whiteflies

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing whitefly infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Tiny white, moth-like insects flying when plant is disturbed
  • Cloud of white insects rising from plant when touched
  • Sticky honeydew coating on leaves
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Mild Minor Issues

These problems are typically easy to manage and rarely fatal

Aphids

Complete guide to identifying, treating, and preventing aphid infestations on house plants.

Key Symptoms:
  • Small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and buds
  • Curled, distorted, or yellowing new leaves
  • Sticky honeydew on leaves and surfaces
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Fungus Gnats

Learn how to identify, eliminate, and prevent fungus gnats in your house plants with this comprehensive guide.

Key Symptoms:
  • Small dark flies hovering around plants and soil surface
  • Tiny black insects flying up when plant is disturbed
  • Gnats gathering near windows and lights
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