What happens when houseplants are overwatered?

When houseplants are overwatered, several detrimental effects can occur due to the excess moisture in the soil. One of the primary consequences is that the roots of the plants become waterlogged, leading to a lack of oxygen. This suffocation can cause the leaves to wilt, lose their turgor, and droop down, which is indicative of stress. Additionally, as the roots struggle to function properly, nutrient uptake can be impaired, resulting in the leaves turning yellow. Furthermore, prolonged overwatering can lead to root rot, which may cause the plant to shed leaves as a survival mechanism, leading to them dropping off.

The situation encompasses all the mentioned effects: wilting of leaves, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. Therefore, acknowledging that all these symptoms can manifest from overwatering supports the conclusion that all of the options are indeed correct outcomes of this condition. Efficient care involves ensuring that plants are watered appropriately, allowing soil to dry out between waterings to prevent these symptoms and maintain plant health.