--- title: "Plant guides: Understand leaf symptoms | PlantDoctor" description: "Yellow leaves, brown tips, spots or white coating? Compare common signs and learn what to check first before changing your plant care routine." url: https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/ language: en website: PlantDoctor publisher: Impulse Apps --- # Learn to read your plant. Get to know the signs. Our guides help you look more closely and find a useful next step. ![Texture of a partly yellow monstera leaf](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/img/macro-gelb.webp) ## What do you notice about your plant? Choose an observation and the condition in the pot. Find a reading path for your first check. This selection does not diagnose your plant. All reading paths are available below. ### Yellow leaves, dry rootball Check water uptake and the last watering date. Leaf colour alone does not establish a nutrient deficiency. 1. [Dried-out plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/dried-out-plant/) 2. [Yellow leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/yellow-leaves/) 3. [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) ### Yellow leaves, very wet rootball Open the outer pot and inspect drainage and the plant base. Avoid adding water just because leaves are yellow. 1. [Overwatered plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/overwatered-plant/) 2. [Assess root rot](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/root-rot/) 3. [Yellow leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/yellow-leaves/) ### Yellow leaves, moisture needs context Compare leaf age, deeper moisture and recent moves. Describe the pattern first. 1. [Yellow leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/yellow-leaves/) 2. [Leaf drop](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/leaf-drop/) 3. [Light & location](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/light-and-location/) ### Drooping leaves, dry rootball Check whether water reaches the mix and drains afterwards. Consider the species. 1. [Dried-out plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/dried-out-plant/) 2. [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) 3. [Peace lily care](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/peace-lily/) ### Drooping leaves, wet rootball Remove standing water and check drainage. A soft base or disintegrating roots needs expert assessment. 1. [Overwatered plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/overwatered-plant/) 2. [Assess root rot](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/root-rot/) 3. [Drooping leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/drooping-leaves/) ### Drooping leaves, cause still open Check deeper in the pot and record the daily pattern. Wilt can occur with moist soil. 1. [Drooping leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/drooping-leaves/) 2. [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) 3. [Assess root rot](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/root-rot/) ### Curling leaves, dry rootball Separate new growth from changed older leaves. Confirm dryness before watering. 1. [Curling leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/curling-leaves/) 2. [Dried-out plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/dried-out-plant/) 3. [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) ### Curling leaves, wet rootball Leaf shape alone does not prove thirst. Check drainage, the base and additional changes. 1. [Curling leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/curling-leaves/) 2. [Overwatered plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/overwatered-plant/) 3. [Assess root rot](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/root-rot/) ### Curling leaves, look for more context Check leaf age, undersides and position. Do not force young growth open. 1. [Curling leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/curling-leaves/) 2. [Pest check](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/) 3. [Light & location](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/light-and-location/) ### Spots or silvery areas Photograph both leaf surfaces and look for animals. Compare recent sun exposure and the pattern across leaves. 1. [Spots on leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/leaf-spots/) 2. [Assess thrips](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/thrips/) 3. [Spider mites](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/spider-mites/) 4. [Assess sun scorch](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/sun-scorch/) ### White coating or cotton Describe shape and location: a broad layer or clusters at leaf joints? Photograph before cleaning. 1. [White coating](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/white-coating/) 2. [Mealybugs](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/mealybugs/) 3. [Pest check](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/) ### Small flies near the pot Check whether they emerge from the mix. Match moisture to the plant; adults and larvae raise different questions. 1. [Fungus gnats](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/fungus-gnats/) 2. [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) 3. [Overwatered plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/overwatered-plant/) Rapid decline, soft tissue or unclear findings: keep several views and a timeline, then seek expert advice. ## Guides by symptom ### [Yellow leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/yellow-leaves/) A yellow leaf is a clue. Which leaves are affected and how the soil feels can help you narrow down what is happening. ### [Brown leaf tips](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/brown-leaf-tips/) Brown tips are easy to notice. Start by checking whether only the edges are dry or larger areas of the leaf are affected. ### [Spots on leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/leaf-spots/) Not every spot is a plant disease. Shape, distribution and the underside of the leaf provide useful additional clues. ### [White coating](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/white-coating/) White marks can have different causes. A layer across the leaf is different from small cotton-like clusters in sheltered joints. ## Guidance for your next step. Check a specific symptom Compare possible pests Care for the species Understand care Look more closely Use the app day to day ### Check a specific symptom Use pattern, moisture and progression to choose the next check. - [Leaf drop](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/leaf-drop/) – One old leaf or rapid leaf drop? Review count, leaf age, location changes, moisture and other signs before changing houseplant care. - [Curling leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/curling-leaves/) – Assess curled or distorted houseplant leaves: distinguish fresh growth from older leaves, check moisture and look for additional features. - [Assess sun scorch](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/sun-scorch/) – Pale or dry leaf patches after a move? Review direct sunlight, the pattern and other signs before assuming houseplant sun scorch. - [Assess root rot](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/root-rot/) – Wilt despite moist soil, soft roots and a damaged stem base: assess possible houseplant root rot and prepare a useful inspection. - [Drooping leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/drooping-leaves/) – A plant wilting in moist soil? Separate observations from assumptions, check the pot and location and document what changes over time. ### Compare possible pests Inspect animals and locations before choosing an action. - [Fungus gnats](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/fungus-gnats/) – Small dark flies near houseplant pots? Assess possible fungus gnats, check moisture appropriately and distinguish adults from larvae in the mix. - [Spider mites](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/spider-mites/) – Distinguish pale leaf speckles, tiny animals and webbing: assess possible spider mites on houseplants and create a useful record. - [Assess thrips](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/thrips/) – Silvery leaf damage and small elongated insects: assess possible thrips, separate other causes and collect useful observations. - [Mealybugs](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/mealybugs/) – Inspect cottony white clusters on houseplants: compare mealybugs with other coatings, check sheltered areas and record changes over time. - [Pest check](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/) – A careful houseplant pest check: inspect shoots, undersides and nearby plants, photograph what you find and seek focused advice before treatment. ### Care for the species Peace lilies and snake plants need different watering decisions. - [Peace lily care](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/peace-lily/) – Observe Spathiphyllum with a useful care check: bright indirect light, actual soil moisture and different causes of drooping or brown leaves. - [Snake plant care](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/snake-plant/) – Care for Sansevieria: check drying and drainage, then distinguish soft tissue from old marks before changing watering or repotting. - [Overwatered plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/overwatered-plant/) – Wet soil with yellow or drooping leaves? Check standing water, drainage holes and recent changes before treating an overwatered houseplant. - [Dried-out plant](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/dried-out-plant/) – A very light pot, dry rootball and wilting leaves: check drought stress and whether water actually reaches your houseplant’s potting mix. ### Understand care Consider water, light and the pot together. - [Care basics](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/) – A clear starting point for houseplant care: check location, water and the pot, record changes and choose the guide that answers your next question. - [Watering](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/watering/) – Water by need: check moisture, pot weight and drainage. A practical decision process for houseplants instead of a rigid watering calendar. - [Light & location](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/light-and-location/) – Understand direct sun, bright indirect light and shade. Check your houseplant’s actual location at different times and make deliberate adjustments. - [Repotting](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/repotting/) – When repotting may help, how potting mix and drainage matter, and what to record and observe after moving a houseplant into a new container. - [Winter care](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/care/winter-care/) – Shorter days, heating and cold windows change indoor conditions. Review moisture, plant placement and care reminders during winter. ### Look more closely Describe changes before choosing a treatment. - [Drooping leaves](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/drooping-leaves/) – A plant wilting in moist soil? Separate observations from assumptions, check the pot and location and document what changes over time. - [Pest check](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-guides/pests/) – A careful houseplant pest check: inspect shoots, undersides and nearby plants, photograph what you find and seek focused advice before treatment. - [Clear plant photos](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-diagnosis/clear-plant-photos/) – A practical PlantDoctor photo guide: capture the whole plant, leaves and stem, and the problem area in good light without losing useful context. - [Understand results](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-diagnosis/understand-results/) – Make sense of PlantDoctor’s possible causes, care guidance and treatment steps. Compare observations and choose a next action you can explain. ### Use the app day to day Organise plants, tasks and unanswered questions. - [Your plant overview](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-care/manage-plants/) – Use saved plants, status and recent scans in PlantDoctor to prioritise plants that need checking and keep everyday care manageable. - [Care routine](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/plant-care/care-routine/) – Choose PlantDoctor care tasks deliberately, build manageable checks and connect reminders with the plant’s actual condition. - [Questions & answers](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/faq/) – PlantDoctor answers by topic: iPhone and languages, internet for scans, AI limitations, saved plants, care tasks and subscription plans. - [Scan help](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/support/scans/) – PlantDoctor scan help: check camera access, internet, photo quality and displayed allowances, then record a specific error for support. - [Reminder help](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/support/reminders/) – Check PlantDoctor reminders: active care task, notification permission and iPhone settings, then narrow down a missing notification. - [Subscription & account](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/en/support/subscription-account/) – Restore a PlantDoctor purchase, manage an Apple subscription or delete an app account: choose the right action and prepare useful support details. ## More plant knowledge. Right in the app. The in-app library covers 28 symptoms in six categories, with guidance on causes, treatment and prevention. - Whole plant - Leaves - Stems & branches - Flowers - Fruit - Pests [Download on theApp Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6744128211) ![PlantDoctor: Symptom library organised by category](https://plantdoctor.impulse-apps.de/img/screens/en/lexikon.webp)