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If your plant's leaves are shriveled up, then you may not be watering your plant enough. You may also notice that many of the leaves are falling off of the plant if this is the case. Take a handful of dirt from a few inches below the surface, and squeeze it in your hand. If the soil clumps together and stains your skin, the soil is very moist. You may be overwatering. If the soil falls apart without staining your skin, the soil is dry. You may need to water more. If your plant is very wilted and droopy, it might be unhealthy as a result of over-watering. Another way to tell this is by feeling the soil just below the surface. If it's very damp, then you may be giving your plant too much water. Over-watering keeps the soil continuously moist and prevents your plant from getting enough oxygen. This can cause root rot. Carefully remove your plant from the ground or its pot and observe the roots. If they're dark, mushy, and fall apart when you touch them, your plant probably has root rot. Discolored patches often form on the leaves of plants that have been exposed to too much sunlight. These patches are typically either very dark or very light in color. Your plant may be struggling because it's not getting enough sunlight. If this is the case, then the leaves are most likely much paler and smaller than they use to be. Different types of plants need to be cared for in different ways. While herbs and vegetables thrive when they're exposed to a lot of sunlight, excessive sun causes issues for ferns. Either go online or head to a local nursery to find care information specific to your plant.
Identify under-watering by shriveled leaves. Touch the soil to determine moisture level. Identify over-watering by dampness and droopiness. Check the roots for root rot. Recognize scorched plants by dark and/or bleached patches. Recognize overly shaded plants by their pale leaves. Look up care information for your plant.