HousePlantsInfo guide

Houseplant Problems and Pests: Find the Cause, Then Fix It

Yellow leaves, brown tips, tiny flies in the soil? Find the symptom below, learn what causes it and follow the fix.

Most problems trace back to watering, light or pests, so check those first.

  • 39free guides
  • 4topics
  • Nov 2026last updated

New to houseplant problems? Start here

Read these first. They cover the basics that solve most problems.

  1. Why Do House Plant Leaves Turn Yellow? [7 Reasons & Fixes]The most common leaf problem.
  2. Why Are My House Plant’s Leaves Turning Brown? [6 Reasons & How to Fix]Brown edges and tips, explained.
  3. House Plant Dying? 8 Causes and How to Save ItRescue a plant that's going downhill.
  4. How to Get Rid of Gnats in a House Plant Soil? [Easy Ways]Get rid of fungus gnats for good.
  5. How to Kill House Plant Bugs: 8 Common Pests and the Fix for EachIdentify and treat common pests.
  6. Why Is My Potted House Plant Moldy? 7 Causes and the Fix for EachClear mold from soil and leaves.

Problems with a specific plant?

Each plant guide has its own leaf-problem section with fixes that fit that plant.

Cactus and succulents Indoor palms Fiddle leaf fig Philodendron Dieffenbachia Snake plant English ivy Dracaena (dragon tree) Elephant ear Prayer plant and calathea Polka dot plant Calla lily

Leaf problems and fixes13

Yellow, brown, curling or drooping leaves: what each sign means and the fix.

Pests and how to get rid of them20

Spot the bug, then get rid of it without hurting the plant.

Mold, fungus and disease5

Root rot, mold and fungus, and how to stop them spreading.

Pets and people: safety1

What happens if a cat, dog or child chews it, and what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my houseplant’s leaves turning yellow?

Overwatering is the most common cause, especially when the soil stays wet and the lower leaves yellow first. Too little light, a pot without drainage, and old leaves dying off naturally are other common reasons.

How do I get rid of gnats in houseplant soil?

Fungus gnats breed in moist soil. Let the top layer dry out between waterings, catch adults with yellow sticky traps, and treat the soil with a product that contains BTI to kill the larvae.

Why do houseplant leaves get brown tips?

Brown tips usually come from dry air, uneven watering, or a buildup of salts and minerals from fertilizer or tap water. Flush the soil now and then, and water more consistently.

Can a dying houseplant be saved?

Often, yes, if some roots are still firm and white. Trim off mushy roots and dead growth, repot in fresh, well-draining soil, and give it bright indirect light while it recovers.