How to read your plant's symptoms

Most houseplant problems trace back to a handful of conditions — watering, light, humidity and pests. The same symptom can have different causes, so match the details:

• Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering (soggy, lower leaves) — sometimes too little light or nutrients.
• Brown crispy tips point to low humidity, salt build-up from tap water/fertiliser, or drying out.
• Drooping can be either too dry or root rot from too wet — check the soil and roots.
• Mushy base / dark roots is root rot from overwatering or poor drainage.

Each plant page lists its common symptoms with the likely cause and the fix, drawn from university extension care guides (Clemson HGIC, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Missouri Botanical, RHS).

General guidance, not a diagnosis. Your plant's history and conditions matter — when in doubt, ease off watering, give bright indirect light, and check for pests.