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Step 1
Check before you bring plants inside. If you move your houseplants outdoors for the summer months, this is a prime time for them to be attacked by pests. Make sure they are pest free before bringing them indoors.
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Step 2
Recognize the pests. Some common pests that afflict houseplants are aphids, mites, mealy bugs, scales, and whiteflies. You should identify and eliminate these pests.
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Step 3
Examine the foliage. Yellowing leaves can be due to overwatering. If your plant has been sitting in water for extended periods of time, it's time to let it dry out a little and increase the time between waterings. Brown edges on leaves can mean the plant is kept too dry or too hot.
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Step 4
Check the roots. If growth has slowed or the plant looks discolored but the leaves are not falling off it may be root bound. Look for overcrowded, rotting or dark brown roots. If your plant is root bound, re-pot in a larger container with fresh potting soil.
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Step 5
Look at heat and sunlight levels. If the plant is spindly, it may not be getting enough sunlight. Sometimes less sunlight will help a plant that is not thriving. Also, too much dry heat can bring humidity levels down too low for tropical houseplants. Your room may need to be humidified or kept slightly cooler to make your plants happy.
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Step 6
Check for diseases. Diseases are not common in plants that spend their lives indoors. If you start with a disease-free plant, sterile potting soil and a clean pot, diseases are not likely to occur.
