How Can I Know If My Houseplant Was Overwatered?

Does your plant looks wilted, but the soil is wet?

Are the leaves turning brown and wilting?

Are there any blisters or lesions on the plant?

Are the leaves and new growth yellowing and dropping from the plant?

Are the roots rotted?

If your plant is green, well-watered and still struggling, you may have overwatered. This is the easiest sign that your plant has had to much water. To prevent yourself from making this mistake again, only water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch.

If the leaves turn brown and wilt, there is the possibility that you have been overwatering. It may be difficult to tell whether a plant is wilting because of poor health, or improper water levels. Check by touching the top inch of the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil is wet to the touch, it was overwatered.

If a plant has absorbed more water than it needs, it can cause the plant’s cells to expand and stress. Often, these cells are filled to the point of rupturing. Burst cell damage is called edema. You can check for signs of edema by noticing any blisters or lesions on the plant. Eventually, these lesions will turn to dark or even white scar tissue. Another sign of edema is indentations on the top of leaves.

If you happen to have both yellowing leaves and new growth falling from your plant, there is a good chance you are overwatering. Check by touching the top inch of the soil near the base of the plant. If the soil is wet to the touch, it was overwatered.

If the roots are rotted, it is a clear sign of overwatering. Root rot is caused by a fungus that develops well in the soil oversaturated with water. Roots turn grey or brown, sometimes are slimy, and will eventually cause the plant to wilt and die.

Sometimes when the plants have been overwatered soil will appear green on the surface. The green color comes from algae that thrive in soggy soil.