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ROOT & WINDOW — HOUSEPLANT TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST
A simple weekly routine for British homes
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WEEKLY WATERING CHECK
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□ Stick finger 2-3 cm into soil — dry = water, damp = wait
□ Check drainage holes are not blocked
□ Empty saucers 30 minutes after watering
□ Use room-temperature water (cold tap water shocks roots)
□ If hard water area: let tap water stand overnight or use filtered water

MONTHLY FEEDING
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□ Dilute liquid feed to half strength (spring/summer only)
□ Skip feeding in autumn/winter unless plant is actively growing
□ Flush soil with plain water every 2-3 months to prevent salt buildup

SEASONAL ADJUSTMENTS (UK WINTERS)
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□ Move plants away from cold window glass at night
□ Check no leaves touching cold glass
□ Reduce watering by 30-50% vs summer
□ Increase humidity if central heating is running
□ Rotate plants 1/4 turn for even light exposure

HUMIDITY & LIGHT CHECK
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□ Group plants together to raise local humidity
□ Check no radiators blowing hot air directly onto leaves
□ Wipe dust from leaves with damp cloth
□ Check grow light timers are set correctly (if using)

PEST INSPECTION
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□ Check undersides of leaves for tiny webs (spider mites)
□ Inspect soil surface for tiny flying insects (fungus gnats)
□ Look for sticky residue on leaves or surfaces below (aphids/scale)
□ Check new growth for distortion or silver streaks (thrips)
□ Quarantine any new plants for 2 weeks before placing near others

EARLY WARNING SIGNS
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□ Yellowing lower leaves = overwatering or nutrient deficiency
□ Brown crispy tips = low humidity or hard water burn
□ Leaves curling inward = underwatering or low humidity
□ Drooping but soil is wet = root rot
□ Drooping and soil is dry = thirsty
□ Mould on soil surface = overwatering or poor drainage
□ White crust on soil or pot = mineral buildup from hard water

HARD WATER WORKAROUNDS
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□ Let tap water stand 24 hours before using
□ Use filtered water for sensitive plants (calathea, ferns, peace lily)
□ Wipe white mineral deposits off leaves monthly
□ Consider rainwater collection in summer months

REPOTTING SIGNALS
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□ Roots growing out of drainage holes
□ Water runs straight through without soaking in
□ Plant wilts within 1-2 days of watering
□ Soil level has dropped significantly
□ Best time: spring (March–May), avoid mid-winter if possible

EMERGENCY KIT
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□ Neem oil or insecticidal soap for pest outbreaks
□ Hydrogen peroxide (3%) for fungus gnat larvae in soil
□ Clear plastic bags for humidity tents
□ Small humidifier for very dry rooms
□ pH test strips (optional but useful for hard water areas)

NOTES
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Keep this checklist somewhere visible — fridge, plant shelf, or phone notes.
Every plant is different. Observe yours and adjust accordingly.

Root & Window
rootandwindow.co.uk