Philodendron — common problems

Find the symptom you're seeing for the likely cause and fix.

Yellow lower leaves / dying tips

Likely cause: Too little light or overwatering.

Fix: Increase light; reduce watering frequency.

Brown, curling leaf tips

Likely cause: Too much fertilizer.

Fix: Reduce fertilizer; use diluted or time-release formulas as directed.

Root rot

Likely cause: Soil that drains slowly or overly frequent watering.

Fix: Repot in well-draining mix; keep moist, not soggy; let soil dry between waterings.

Leggy growth

Likely cause: Insufficient light.

Fix: Move to brighter, indirect light.

Pests (aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites)

Likely cause: Occasional infestations.

Fix: Treat with appropriate houseplant pest control.

Source: extension care guide. Symptoms often overlap — match the conditions (light, watering, humidity) to your situation.

Other houseplants

General care guidance from university extension sources — not a substitute for diagnosing your specific plant and conditions. How this works.