Plant SOS Diagnostic Card – quickly identify houseplant problems (2 minutes)
Yellow leaves, brown tips, flies, spider mites, or thrips? With this Plant SOS Diagnostic Card, you'll recognize the most common problems in just 2 minutes and know immediately what you can safely do first. Includes quick steps and handy links to the complete SOS guides.
Use this quick diagnosis card to identify what's wrong with your houseplant. Select the symptom you see and take the first steps immediately.
Yellow leaves
Most likely: too much water, too little light, nutrient deficiency (less common)
- Feel the potting soil 3–5 cm deep: wet = wait with watering, dry = light watering
- Place the plant in a lighter place (no draught, no radiator) for 1–2 weeks.
- Check the pot: is there water in the decorative pot/trivet? Empty it.
Brown spots / dry edges
Most likely: dry air, irregular water, too much sun/heating
- Place away from radiator/warm air flow
- Provide steady watering: only when the top layer is dry
- Clean the leaves (remove dust) and check the humidity (spray if necessary for tropical species).
Drooping leaves / limp plant
Most likely: too dry or root stress due to being too wet
- Check potting soil: bone dry = water gently, soaking wet = let it dry out
- Check drainage: are there holes in the bottom and no standing water?
- Place temporarily in a quiet place with daylight (not in full sun)
White or gray mold on potting soil
Most likely: too wet + little air circulation
- Scoop away the top 1–2 cm of potting soil
- Allow potting soil to dry out between waterings
- Place something lighter and allow the pot to "breathe"
Small flies around potting soil
Most likely: fungus gnats (potting soil too moist)
- Allow the top layer to dry thoroughly (at least 5–7 days)
- Place yellow sticky notes (control)
- From now on, water from below or in smaller amounts
Light dots on leaf / dull leaf / fine webs
Most likely: spider mites (especially in dry air)
- Check the bottom of the leaf and along the veins (that's where it is)
- Rinse leaves with lukewarm water (top + bottom)
- Isolate the plant and repeat check every 2–3 days
Black dots + silvery stripes on leaves
Most likely: thrips
- Isolate the plant
- Remove leaves (including the underside)
- Check new growth extra carefully (thrips are often found in young leaves)
Spots on leaves (brown/black) without bugs
Most likely: water on leaves + cold draft, fungal stress, sunburn
- Keep away from drafts and cold windows
- Water the soil, not the leaves
- Do not remove severely damaged leaves until the cause has been addressed.
Need more help?
View the complete Plant SOS guides with identification and step-by-step plans for each problem:
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