Common Houseplant Diseases — Identification and Treatment

Identify and treat common houseplant diseases: root rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and more. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Root Rot: Black mushy roots from overwatering. Powdery Mildew: White powdery coating on leaves. Leaf Spot: Brown or black spots with yellow halos. Botrytis (Gray Mold): Fuzzy gray mold on leaves. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Root rot: Overwatering + poor drainage. Powdery mildew: Poor air circulation + high humidity. Leaf spot: Bacterial or fungal — spread by water splash. Gray mold: Cool damp conditions with poor airflow. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Root rot: Remove affected roots, repot in fresh dry soil, reduce watering. Powdery mildew: Improve airflow, treat with neem oil or baking soda spray. Leaf spot: Remove affected leaves, avoid wetting foliage, improve circulation. Prevention: Good drainage, proper watering, airflow, quarantine new plants. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Plant Care Guides collection on Houseplants Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.