Learn the signs of healthy, happy houseplants. Find out what to look for when you are buying houseplants, and the warning signs that a plant may not be well.
#HealthyHouseplants #IndoorGardening #HouseplantCare #PlantHealth #GardeningTips #Houseplants #UrbanGardening #GardenersOfInstagram #PlantParents #PlantCare
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors! If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today I’m going to talk to you about what constitutes a healthy houseplant. There are a few things to look for when you’re shopping for plants, and also when you’re looking through your collection, making sure everybody’s looking good. There are signs of contented, healthy houseplants, and here I have put together a few of those to show you as I talk.
This is Lucy, who is in a spider plant revival series. You can see she’s looking really good and is actually going to be repotted fairly soon because she’s just about ready for that. She is a healthy plant. If you look at the beginning of the series, I’ll put a link below for that playlist; she looked pretty raggedy when I first saved her, but she’s looking good now. Before, she would be a really good sign of a plant that was not healthy or happy.
Here are some of the signs that indicate your houseplants are really happy. Healthy plants don’t complain with pests or diseases. Sure, you may get some minor pests and diseases like mealybugs that tend to come and go a little here and there. As long as you keep them under control, the plant is still healthy. But a plant that is covered in mealybugs, scale, or spider mites is not healthy and has some issues that need to be taken care of.
When your houseplant is happy, it’s going to be perky with nice vibrant foliage. For example, like Lucy here or this nice Dracaena. These plants will look full of pep and energy. A lot of times, you can just look at a plant and know it’s doing well.
Now, if a plant needs watering, it’s not going to be that perky, so keep that in mind. If you see a plant that is a little droopy, then it is definitely time to water it. However, make sure before you do that that you test for water readiness. Droopy leaves can also be a sign of root rot, and I do have a series on that in terms of how to save a plant from root rot.
Over here is Henry in the background, the star of my series on saving a plant with root rot. He was saved from root rot and, at that point, wasn’t happy or healthy, but now he’s doing really well.
You can tell if a plant is happy by looking for the following signs:
- Perky appearance: A healthy plant will appear vibrant and full of energy.
- Minimal pests: A healthy plant should have little to no pests or diseases.
- Firm base: Healthy plants have a sturdy base; if the plant base feels wobbly, that may indicate crown rot or stem rot.
- Roots: Healthy roots should be firm, generally tan or light brown in color, and not squishy or black.
When examining the roots, you should see a lot of nice roots around the outer edge of the soil. If you notice a lot of black, mushy roots, that is a sign of root rot. Root rot occurs when roots decay and dissolve into the surrounding soil, resulting in the plant’s poor health.
Another sign of a healthy plant is if it’s budding or flowering. For instance, this African Violet you see here has a bloom and a bud that will soon open. Plants that continue to bloom and look healthy are signs of a thriving plant.
Additionally, if pests eat foliage, they excrete a sticky substance, almost like someone dropped some maple syrup or honey near the plant. That is another indication that the plant may be in peril, and it’s time to address the pests so the plant can regain its health.
Indoor gardeners often develop an instinct for recognizing a healthy plant. Even if you’ve only been gardening for a month or two, you’ll soon know just by looking at a plant if it’s healthy. So, remind yourself when you see plants in stores what a healthy plant looks like.
If you want to save a plant that isn’t looking healthy, that’s fine, but if you’re looking for easy plants that will be healthy for you, trust your instincts. When you notice your plants starting to ail, act quickly. The sooner you figure out what the problem is, the sooner you can get the plant back to being really healthy.
So that’s it for signs of a healthy, happy, and contented houseplant. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and please check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
What are the signs of a healthy houseplant?
A healthy houseplant will appear vibrant, perky, and full of energy. It should have minimal pests or diseases and a firm base.
How can I tell if my plant has pests?
Look for sticky substances on the leaves or around the pot, which can indicate that pests like mealybugs or spider mites are present.
What should I check if my plant looks droopy?
If your plant looks droopy, it may need watering. However, check for water readiness first, as droopy leaves can also indicate root rot.
What do healthy roots look like?
Healthy roots should be firm and generally tan or light brown in color. They should not be squishy or black, which can indicate root rot.
How can I encourage my houseplant to bloom?
Houseplants that are healthy and happy may produce buds and flowers. Ensure your plant has the right conditions, such as sufficient light and water, to encourage blooming.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH