Why Your Houseplants Keep Dying (And How to Fix It)
If you feel like every plant you bring home slowly declines no matter how hard you try, you are not alone. One of the most common questions we get at St Clair Plant Care is simple but frustrating:
“Why do my houseplants keep dying?”
The good news is most plant problems are completely fixable. In fact, plants usually die for the same handful of reasons. Once you understand what is actually going wrong, keeping plants alive becomes much easier and way more enjoyable.
Let’s break it down.
1. Overwatering Is the #1 Plant Killer
This surprises a lot of people. Most houseplants die from too much water, not too little.
Signs of overwatering:
Yellowing leaves
Mushy or black roots
Soil that stays wet for days
Fungus gnats flying around
Why it happens:
Many plants need their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Constantly wet soil suffocates roots and leads to root rot.
How to fix it:
Always check the soil before watering
Use pots with drainage holes
Water less frequently, but more intentionally
Dump excess water from saucers
If you are unsure, it is usually better to wait one more day before watering.
2. Not Enough Light (Or Too Much of It)
Light is plant food. Without enough of it, plants slowly weaken.
Signs of low light:
Leggy or stretched growth
Small leaves
Slow or no new growth
Leaves dropping
Signs of too much light:
Burnt or crispy leaf edges
Faded or bleached leaves
How to fix it:
Match the plant to your space, not the other way around
Bright indirect light works for most houseplants
Move plants closer to windows if growth stalls
Use sheer curtains to soften harsh sun
Light conditions in SoCal homes can change a lot throughout the year, so reassess placement seasonally.
3. Poor Drainage or the Wrong Pot
Even if you water correctly, the wrong pot can sabotage your plant.
Common issues:
Decorative pots with no drainage
Soil staying compacted
Roots sitting in water
How to fix it:
Always use a nursery pot with drainage inside decorative planters
Repot every 12 to 18 months for most plants
Use a high quality, well draining soil mix
Healthy roots equal healthy plants.
4. Ignoring Humidity and Temperature
Many popular houseplants are tropical. Dry indoor air and temperature swings stress them out.
Signs of stress:
Brown leaf tips
Curling leaves
Leaves dropping suddenly
How to fix it:
Group plants together
Keep plants away from AC vents and heaters
Use a humidifier for humidity loving plants
Mist selectively, not excessively
This is especially important during cooler months when indoor air gets dry.
5. Too Much Love (Yes, Really)
Constant moving, repotting too often, or over-fertilizing can overwhelm plants.
Common mistakes:
Fertilizing too frequently
Repotting plants that are not root bound
Rotating or moving plants weekly
How to fix it:
Fertilize lightly during the growing season only
Repot only when roots outgrow the pot
Let plants settle into one location
Plants thrive on consistency.
6. Pests You Do Not Notice Right Away
Tiny pests can quietly weaken plants over time.
Common indoor pests:
Spider mites
Thrips
Mealybugs
Fungus gnats
How to fix it:
Inspect leaves regularly, especially undersides
Isolate new plants for a few weeks
Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil
Address moisture issues that attract pests
Early detection makes all the difference.
The Real Fix: Understanding Your Plant
Every plant has different needs. Once you stop treating all plants the same, things start to click.
If you want your plants to thrive long term, focus on:
Matching plants to your light
Watering based on soil, not schedules
Using proper pots and soil
Creating a stable environment
Need Help Keeping Your Plants Alive?
That is where we come in.
At St Clair Plant Care, we help homeowners and businesses across Long Beach, Los Angeles, and the South Bay keep their plants healthy, thriving, and stress free.
Whether you need:
A plant health check
Repotting and soil upgrades
Ongoing plant maintenance
Help choosing the right plants for your space
We are happy to help.
Contact St Clair Plant Care to schedule a consultation.