Some indoor plants really don’t like being misted, and giving them a spray can do more harm than good. This article covers which houseplants should stay dry, the reasons behind it, and common issues that misting can trigger. You'll get clear care tips and learn how to keep sensitive plants happy without risking leaf rot or fungus. If you've ever wondered whether your favorite plant likes a mist, this guide has you covered. Avoiding simple misting mistakes can keep your plants looking their best.
Houseplant Problems: Common Issues and How to Fix Them
When your houseplant problems, issues like yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth that affect indoor plants in homes and apartments. Also known as indoor plant distress, these problems often come from small mistakes in watering, light, or soil—mistakes that are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Most people think houseplants need constant attention, but the real issue is usually too much care, not too little. Overwatering is the #1 killer of indoor plants in India, especially in humid cities like Mumbai or Kolkata. It’s not just about how often you water—it’s about how the water moves through the soil and whether the pot lets air reach the roots.
One of the most common overwatered houseplant, a plant showing signs of stress from too much moisture, including soggy soil, limp leaves, and dark, mushy roots looks like it’s thirsty—leaves droop, edges turn brown—but the cause is the opposite. The soil stays wet because the pot has no drainage holes, or you’re using dense garden soil instead of light potting mix. Root rot follows fast. You can’t save every plant, but if you catch it early, removing the plant, trimming dead roots, and repotting in fresh, airy soil gives it a real shot. Another big issue is indoor plant drainage, the ability of a pot and soil to let excess water escape quickly to prevent waterlogging. Even a small crack in the bottom of a decorative pot can make a difference. Use clay pots over plastic when you can—they breathe. And never let a plant sit in a saucer full of water for more than a few hours.
Light matters too. A plant near a north-facing window in Delhi might survive, but it won’t thrive. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light—not direct sun on their leaves, which burns them. And don’t assume all plants like the same spot. A snake plant can handle low light, but a fiddle leaf fig will drop leaves if it doesn’t get enough. Pay attention to how your plant reacts. Yellowing leaves? Could be too much water or too little light. Brown tips? Could be dry air or tap water with chlorine. Small changes make big differences. You don’t need fancy tools—just a finger to check soil moisture, a pot with holes, and a little patience.
The posts below cover real fixes for real problems you’re seeing right now. From saving a soggy monstera to choosing the right soil for your balcony fern, you’ll find step-by-step help that works in Indian homes. No jargon. No guesswork. Just what actually gets your plants green again.