What Kills House Plants Fast?

Houseplants can die if you water them too much or too little.

You probably want your houseplants to live and thrive for as long as their natural lifespans permit. Knowing what can kill the plants, even what can threaten them, can be a lesson in how to properly care for them.

Bleach

Household bleach is effective as a soaking agent to get rid of soil nematodes. Soak the plants in a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Don't leave the plants in the solution for more than 15 minutes or the roots will absorb the chemicals in the bleach and carry it to the upper foliage. In a short time, the plant will die, according to the University of Hawaii.

Too Much Water

Environmental and cultural influences more often are the causes of houseplant death than are diseases, according to Clemson University. When a plant is forced to sit in a puddle of water at all times, the amount of oxygen the roots need for growth is decreased and root rot or other diseases are more likely to enter and kill the plant. Leaves will turn yellow and drop, and flower buds will drop.

Not Enough Water

Too little water is a sure way to kill a houseplant. Its leaves will respond by wilting and curling, and possibly dropping. Leaves also might develop brown tips and edges. Leaves eventually will die, and later the entire plant will follow. No amount of water will restore a severely wilted plant.

References

• Clemson University: Houseplant Diseases and Disorders
• University of Hawaii: Survey of Nematodes on Banana
• Purdue University: Indoor Plant Care
• University of Minnesota: Houseplant Insect Control