Some change in the first weeks is expected: a few older leaves yellowing and falling, or growth pausing while the plant adapts. Keep your routine steady and give it time.
Other signs point to a real problem. Wilting even though the mix is moist, lower leaves yellowing and the wilt moving upward, or a soft, dark stem base can all mean root rot. Iowa State University notes that root rot can look like underwatering, so check the roots before adding more water. Healthy roots are firm and pale; rotted roots are brown to black, mushy, and their outer layer slips off easily.
Pests are the other thing to rule out. Sticky leaves, fine webbing, speckled leaves or cottony white tufts mean something is feeding on the plant.
If you see these warning signs, keep the plant in quarantine and use the plant-health unit that follows to work out what is going on.
Key points
- A few dropped leaves and slow growth are normal at first.
- Wilting in moist mix or a mushy stem base are warning signs.
- Check roots and leaf undersides before changing your care.
Try this
Look closely at one plant today and decide: normal settling, or a sign worth investigating? Write down what you saw.
Check yourself
Read more in the reference
Sources
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