Overwatering Signs
Overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death. It deprives roots of oxygen and creates conditions for rot and disease.
Causes possibles
Watering on a Schedule Rather Than by Need
Why: Watering every X days regardless of soil moisture leads to overwatering, especially in low-light or cool conditions.
Signs to check: Soil is still moist when you water again, pot feels heavy, water sits in the saucer.
Poor Drainage Setup
Why: Pots without drainage holes, or decorative pots without inner drainage, trap water at the bottom.
Signs to check: No drainage holes, water collects in the outer pot or saucer, soil is waterlogged at the bottom.
Wrong Pot Size
Why: A pot that is too large holds excess soil moisture that the plant's roots cannot use quickly enough.
Signs to check: Pot is much larger than the root ball, soil stays wet for many days after watering.
Dense or Compacted Soil
Why: Heavy soil retains too much water and does not allow adequate oxygen to reach roots.
Signs to check: Water pools on the surface before soaking in, soil is heavy and clay-like.
Quoi verifier
- 1Check soil moisture before watering — is it still damp?
- 2Lift the pot to feel its weight (heavy = still wet)
- 3Look for yellowing lower leaves, mushy stems, or foul smell
- 4Verify the pot has functioning drainage holes
- 5Check if the pot size is appropriate for the plant
Que faire
- Stop watering and let the soil dry out before watering again
- Always check soil moisture before watering — finger test or moisture meter
- Ensure pots have drainage holes and empty saucers after watering
- Switch to a chunkier, well-draining potting mix with perlite
- Downsize the pot if it is too large for the plant's root system
Quand chercher de l'aide
- Mushy, foul-smelling roots (root rot has begun)
- Stem base is soft and dark
- Plant continues to decline despite stopping watering
Point cle
Water when the plant needs it, not on a fixed schedule. Check soil moisture, ensure proper drainage, and err on the side of slightly dry rather than too wet.
Suivre la recuperation dans l'app
Enregistrez les progres, configurez des rappels et obtenez un diagnostic par IA.
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension, RHS. Contenu compile a partir de references horticoles accessibles au public a des fins educatives. Les organisations sources sont listees pour la transparence uniquement et n'impliquent pas d'approbation.