Roots sitting in wet soil can't take in air, so older leaves turn yellow first.

Fix: Stop watering until the top 2 inches are dry. Empty the saucer and make sure the pot drains.

Prescription: No purchase needed. Just wait.

Potting soil runs out of nutrients within a few months. Without food, older leaves yellow and growth stalls.

Fix: Water normally, and feed once a month in spring and summer.

Prescription: Use the GrowScripts product matched to your plant type. Take the Plant Doctor quiz above to get your prescription.

The plant has used up its water and the leaves are losing pressure.

Fix: Soak it until water runs out the bottom. It should perk up within a day.

Prescription: No purchase needed.

Mushy stems or a sour smell from the soil mean roots are rotting from sitting in water.

Fix: Unpot, trim black or mushy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil. Wait 3–4 weeks before feeding.

Prescription: No product right now. Once the plant has recovered and healthy growth returns, use the GrowScripts product matched to your plant type.

Leaf tips dry out first when watering swings between soaked and bone-dry, or when heat dries the air.

Fix: Water on a steady schedule. Keep it away from heater vents.

Prescription: Plant Hydration and Humidity Care.

Too much fertilizer leaves salts in the soil that burn leaf tips.

Fix: Flush the soil by running plain water through it for 2 minutes. Skip feeding for a month, then use one pre-measured dose a month.

Prescription: SCRIPTS. Pre-measured packets make over-feeding hard to do.

The plant is stretching toward the nearest light source.

Fix: Move it closer to a bright window.

Prescription: Fix the light first. Once healthy growth returns, use the GrowScripts product matched to your plant type.

Hot, direct sun burns leaves that aren't used to it.

Fix: Move it out of harsh afternoon sun. Burned spots won't heal, but new leaves will be fine.

Prescription: No purchase needed.

These are signs of mealybugs, spider mites, or scale.

Fix: Move it away from other plants. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and rinse the plant in the shower. For a heavy infestation, use insecticidal soap.

Prescription: No purchase needed.

Gnats breed in soil that stays moist.

Fix: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The gnats can't breed in dry soil.

Prescription: No purchase needed.

Plants often drop a few leaves while they adjust to new light or a new pot.

Fix: Keep it in one spot with steady light and water. Don't feed for 3–4 weeks.

Prescription: No purchase needed. Just wait.

In fall and winter, slow growth is normal. In the growing season, a stalled plant usually needs more light or food.

Fix: Check the light first. If light is good, start monthly feeding.

Prescription: If light is good, use the GrowScripts product matched to your plant type.