Overwatering

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Overwatering is a phenomenon that often happens in houseplants due to excessive watering, so this excess water can often deplete oxygen from the soil and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi[1]

Symptoms

Overwatering often causes plants to have:

  • Yellow or brown leaves that have started to droop[2]
  • Shedding leaves that are both new and old[3]
  • Multiple brown spots and mold on them[4]
  • Their soil seems to have a foul odor[1]
  • Grey, foul smelling and mushy leaves[5]

Cures

The main method of fixing a plant that has been overwatered is to ensure there are enough drainage holes in the pot to let excess water out of the soil.[6] It is also recommended to trim off any leaves or roots that are dead, mushy, or wilting.[7]

References

  1. "Plant Care 101: How to Fix an Overwatered Plant". BIRDY'S PLANTS. 2024-03-21. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  2. Pangborn, Lindsay (2022-01-15). "5 Telltale Signs of Overwatered Plants". Bloomscape. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  3. MacArthur, Amanda (2025-07-25). "How to Identify an Overwatered Plant". Food Gardening Network. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  4. "10 Signs You're Overwatering Your Plants". The Green East. 2025-01-11. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  5. "Plant 101: Signs of Overwatering your Indoor Plant". Lively Root. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  6. "How to Rescue Overwatered Plants | BrightView". www.brightview.com. 2018-08-15. Retrieved 2025-07-31.
  7. "Save Your Overwatered Plants in 4 Easy Steps". Jim's Mowing Australia. 2021-07-29. Retrieved 2025-07-31.