Ask our resident Plantologist any questions you might have about your plant on info@botanica.ae.
Some common questions are below.
Why is My Plant Shedding Leaves?
If your houseplant is dropping leaves, it may be a normal part of their life cycle. Some houseplants shed leaves during winter, others shed leaves year-round and some never naturally shed at all. It is a good idea to read up on your plant to find out whether or not it’s a sign that they are unhealthy.
There are a few reasons why an indoor plant might be dropping more leaves than usual. When your plant is delivered to your home or office it might shed a few leaves while it adjusts to new light and temperature levels. This is not a reason to worry. When you move a plant to a new spot it may shed some leaves while it settles in. If the rest of the plant looks healthy, just give it some time to settle in.
Plants create their energy from sunlight. If brightness levels drop a plant may shed eaves to increase efficiency. Similarly, if a plant is outgrowing its pot it might shed leaves to try and maintain growth. If you can see the roots in the surface of the soil, or the roots are poking out of the bottom of its nursery pot it might be time to repot your plant. Find out more about repotting here.
Overwatering and underwatering can be another reason for a plant to lose leaves. When a plant receives too much water, the water floods the leaves. Gradually, starting from the bottom of the plant, you’ll notice leaves yellowing and turning soggy. As they lose their structure the leaves are unable to support their own weight anymore, causing them to drop. On the other hand, a plant that receives too little water will not be able to maintain all its leaves and will shed some in a bid to stay alive. Very dry, brown leaves are usually a sign your plant is lacking moisture.
Does My Plant Have Bugs?
All our plants are thoroughly checked before delivery to ensure they are bug-free, so you should note see any pests on new plants, but we recommend giving your plants a check-up every three months. The earlier you find the pests, the easier they are to get rid of.
If you notice any webs, bumps or spots on your plants, it is possible that your houseplant may be putting up with some unwelcome visitors. If you suspect your plant might have bugs, move it away from any other plants to prevent them spreading to the rest of your plant family. If you see any bugs, wipe the leaves to get rid of them. There is no need to worry, they are harmless. The solution varies depending on the bug and our plant doctor will be happy to help.
Plant Mold
You might spot mold on your plant’s soil, or even fully grown mushrooms! The white mold that develops is usually harmless, but probably a sign that your plant is being overwatered or not draining properly. It is a good idea to scrape the mold off and make sure your plant’s soil gets a chance to dry out between watering.
Mushrooms can also pop up due to moist conditions. It is best to remove them and replace the top few inches of soil, with potting compost. Please do not eat the mushrooms. They will not hurt you if you touch them and they won’t contaminate the air, but they are not good for you, your little ones or your pets to eat.
