Monthly Plant Health Check: A Simple Scorecard
Score roots, leaves, growth, soil and location once a month to catch slow decline and decide what actually needs changing.
Quick answer: Once a month, score each plant from 0 to 2 for new growth, leaf quality, pest evidence, soil performance and location fit. A falling score across two checks deserves investigation. One cosmetic leaf does not justify changing soil, light, fertiliser and watering at once.
Five useful scores
- Growth: none, weak, or appropriate for the season.
- Leaves: worsening damage, stable minor damage, or healthy new leaves.
- Root zone: stale and wet, uncertain, or draining and drying predictably.
Translate scores into action
- Low light score: move gradually closer to a window or add a grow light.
- Low root-zone score: inspect drainage, compaction and pot size before fertilising.
- Low pest score: isolate, identify and use a targeted treatment plan.
Avoid maintenance theatre
- Do not repot healthy plants on a calendar.
- Do not polish leaves with oils that can attract dust or interfere with treatment.
- Do not add fertiliser to compensate for poor light or damaged roots.
A Bangalore-ready action plan
- Observe the plant and its position in daylight before making a change.
- Check the root-zone moisture and drainage, not only the top centimetre.
- Change one major variable and watch the newest growth for evidence.
- Record a dated photo so improvement is judged over weeks, not hours.
Frequently asked questions
What score requires urgent action?
Rapid collapse, stem softness, active pests or foul soil smell overrides the monthly score.
Should seasonal dormancy score poorly?
No. Score growth against what is normal for that plant and season.
Can I use a spreadsheet?
Yes, but a dated phone photo and one-line note are enough for most collections.
Next step: Find the right care support, or ask Plantsy for a recommendation based on your light, space and care routine.
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