The fix: Give it more sunlight. Plants tend to get spindly when they’re desperate for nutrients, causing them to grow taller as they reach for more sun. If that doesn’t do the trick, make sure the plant has nutrient-rich soil and fertilize it regularly during the growing season from spring to fall (but cut back on fertilizer during the winter). The fix: First, check if your plant has plenty of foliage but few flowers. This could be a sign of a nitrogen imbalance. Cut back on the nitrogen fertilizer and stick to a schedule (typically once per month) during the growing season. If the plant has sparse greenery and few blooms, your plant may need more sunlight. Remember: Most flowering houseplants do best when you deadhead spent blooms, or remove any flowers that have died or dried up. Carefully removing the faded blooms leaves more room for fresh growth. The fix: Find a consistent watering schedule that works, then stick to it! Before watering, it’s always a good idea to test the soil moisture by sticking a finger about 1 to 2 inches down into it. This will test the moisture below the surface (the very top of the soil will dry out quickly and may be an unreliable indicator). Many easy-to-care-for houseplants are happy with a once-per-week watering routine. While you’re at it, make sure the pot or planter has adequate drainage and place a saucer underneath to catch overflow. The fix: First, move the plant out of direct sun, then make sure it is getting enough water. If the room has very low humidity, consider misting the area around the plant more often or introducing a humidifier to boost the moisture in the air. The fix: Drooping or wilting is often a sign of drought, so a thorough watering should hopefully revive your parched houseplant. To test, stick a finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil and see if it’s dry. Remember, you may need to adjust your watering schedule in the summer if the inside of your home is warmer and causing the water to evaporate more quickly. Just avoid overcompensating by overwatering. The fix: Most often, this is simply a sign your plant needs more moisture. Try watering it more frequently or introducing more humidity into the air by spritzing it or switching on a humidifier. If just the edges of the leaves are getting brown (and you’ve already ruled out sunburn), it could mean you’re using too much fertilizer and need to cut back.
