Brown spots in the leaf center

Root rot from overwatering. Let dry out, check roots, repot if mushy.

Underwatering or low humidity. Water more consistently and raise humidity.

Stress from a move, draft, or temperature swing. Stabilize its environment and stop relocating it.

Leggy with leaves only at top

Reaching for light, or natural growth. More light; notch or prune to encourage branching.

Houseplants

The dramatic interior-design darling. Stunning, but it wants consistency and hates being moved.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Bright, indirect

Where to put it

Lots of bright indirect light, ideally a few feet from a bright window. Pick a spot and leave it, it sulks when relocated.

Watering

Every 1–2 weeks, on a steady rhythm. Inconsistency causes leaf drop.

Soil mix

Well-draining potting mix with bark and perlite.

Pot

Pot with drainage; not too oversized (excess soil stays wet).

Repotting

Every 1–2 years in spring; refresh topsoil in between.

Propagation

Stem or leaf-with-node cuttings rooted in water, can be slow and finicky.

Pets

Toxic to pets if eaten.

Brown spots in the leaf center. Root rot from overwatering. Let dry out, check roots, repot if mushy.
Brown crispy edges. Underwatering or low humidity. Water more consistently and raise humidity.
Sudden leaf drop. Stress from a move, draft, or temperature swing. Stabilize its environment and stop relocating it.
Leggy with leaves only at top. Reaching for light, or natural growth. More light; notch or prune to encourage branching.