Here’s How You Can Resurrect A Houseplant That You Think Might Be On The Way Out
The thing you feared most is happening again. The plant you purchased just a short while ago already seems like it’s struggling to survive under your care.
You might think it’s time to face the facts–you simply don’t have a green thumb. But don’t give up yet! Even if you have a long history of killing houseplants, you can learn to become a good plant parent.
All you really need to know to save your dying plant is to recognize the signs of suffering and what ailments they indicate. Then, you must take action to bring it back to life. So here’s how to resurrect a plant at death’s door.
Before tossing your plant in the trash, examine it closely. Just because a plant is dropping its leaves doesn’t mean it’s dying. Some plants lose all their foliage during certain times of the year, so make sure you find out if that’s the case.
A fading plant will have brittle stems and browned roots. However, if the roots have turned to mush, there’s no hope left.
To revive a dying plant, you’ll need to figure out what it’s either lacking or receiving too much of. Perhaps you’re overwatering, or your plant needs more space to grow.
Overwatering is often the culprit of a deteriorating houseplant. When the soil becomes too full of moisture, there is no room for air to flow through, which causes the roots to suffocate.
So an easy solution is to cut down on the number of times you’re watering your plant. Let the soil’s surface dry out between waterings.
If you have been overwatering, chances are that your plant is suffering from root rot, turning the roots brown. Trim off any affected roots and replant in new soil.
Dasha Petrenko – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Underwatering also has negative effects on your houseplant. When the tips of your plant’s leaves are brittle and dry, or the top of your plant is yellowing, it usually means it is not getting enough moisture.
If your plant is severely dehydrated, watering it regularly might not be enough to revive it. Instead, try bottom watering. Fill up a bucket, sink, or tub with water and set the entire pot in.
Then, allow it to soak for half an hour or until the top of the soil feels damp. When you’re finished, don’t forget to let the excess water drain out of the pot. It’s a very important step you should not skip.
Sometimes, your houseplant may have grown too big for the pot it’s currently in. The lack of space causes the roots to become dried out since they’re not receiving enough moisture.
A sign that your plant desperately needs to be repotted is if the roots are growing around the edges of the container and twisting together. Separate the roots and place your plant in a container that is slightly larger than the old one.
When inspecting your plant, also check for any insect damage. You might see holes in the leaves or pests on the plant itself. Trim off the affected foliage and spray with water to remove any insects. You can also use insecticidal oils or soaps to prevent new pests from popping up.
It will take a while to get your plant back to normal, so be sure to have some patience!
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