The Polka Dot Plant, Spotted

Pink, white or red speckles on every leaf, and a habit of flopping dramatically when it wants water. Most of it comes down to paying attention: a plant tells you what it needs well before it is in trouble.

Clean the leaves

Dust blocks light. Wipe large leaves with a damp cloth every month or so; rinse small-leaved plants under a lukewarm shower. They will look better and grow better.

Light is food

A plant in a dark corner cannot make up for it with feed or attention. Most houseplants want to see the sky from where they sit; move a struggling plant closer to the window before doing anything else.

Have a plant that is puzzling you? Write and tell us about it -- the best questions become the next guide in the care library.