Search results
- Overwatering. Overwatering is the most common problem when it comes to stale-smelling houseplants. This is because you are feeding your plant too much water than it can take, which means your soil becomes waterlogged.
- Pests causing root rot. Gnats or pests on your plant might be another reason why your houseplants are releasing a foul smell. An infestation leads to a bad smell as they can end up causing root rot.
- Poor soil drainage. The third problem the plant experts have identified is poor soil drainage, which relates to the point about overwatering. In this instance, you might not have been overwatering, but if your plant doesn't have adequate drainage at the bottom of the pot, water will just build up, leading to the same effect as overwatering - the stale smell of water, which isn't good for your living room's scentscape, let alone your houseplant's health.
- Decaying plant matter. An unhealthy plant also might be a sign that your plant is disease-ridden, resulting in mold on houseplant soil. 'Some infections caused by fungi and bacteria can cause a foul smell on a plant's foliage,' says Paris. '
Jun 29, 2024 · If you have only recently replaced your planting mix, perhaps your fertilizer has contributed to the unpleasant smells. While organic fertilizers will do wonders for the growth and continued health of your greenery, they may have an off-putting aroma. Mineral fertilizers are scentless and are a viable alternative for indoor gardeners.
- Tracey Johnson
Oct 25, 2010 · Considerations. If your plant has a musty odor, withhold water until the soil dries out. If the plant still smells, or has visible fungus or mold on the surface of the soil, repot in fresh soil. When repotting, check for slimy or malodorous roots — this is a sign of root rot, and usually means the plant should be discarded, unless most of the ...
Jun 3, 2012 · Regularly empty the drip plate about an hour after watering the plant. Test the dryness of the soil before watering by inserting your finger several inches into the plant's soil. Add water if the soil is dry. If the soil is moist, check the soil dryness again in one to two days. Overwatering the plant will cause the stale water odor to return.
Jan 30, 2024 · There are a number of different things that can cause a plant to smell bad. Some of the most common causes include: Overwatering: When a plant is overwatered, the roots can start to rot. This can cause the plant to emit a foul odor. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that can affect plants of all types.
Generally, soil that emits a bad smell similar to rotten eggs, animal poop, and urine is because of: 1) lack of aeration, 2) root rot and infestation, and 3) raw manure and ammonia-based fertilizers and pesticides. Soil that’s completely odorless is not ideal for growing plants either. Healthy soil for plants should smell earthy.
People also ask
Why does my houseplant smell like water?
Why does my potted plant smell like swamp water?
Why do potted plants smell bad?
What causes plant odor?
How do you know if a plant has a stale water odor?
Why does my houseplant smell so bad?
Apr 13, 2024 · Overwatering potted plants is a common cause of bad soil smell due to the anaerobic conditions it creates in the potting mix. When excess water accumulates in the pot without proper drainage, it leads to a lack of oxygen in the soil, promoting the growth of anaerobic bacteria that produce foul odors. Ensuring that your pots have adequate ...
