What they don’t tell you about houseplant care… how to bring a dying houseplant back from the dead!We’ve all been there. Life got busy and somehow your houseplant is less than happy. 🤦🏼♀️ Don’t worry! Here are some thing you can do to save a dead plant!
1. Determine if the plant is actually dead
Just because a plant’s leaves are dried out or yellow, doesn’t mean your plant is beyond saving! First, you’ll want to check the plant’s stems and roots for signs of life.
Look for:
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- Stems that are pliable and firm
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- Roots that are pliable and firm
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- Green anywhere on the plant
But if the stems and roots are mushy and brittle, the plant is likely dead and can’t be saved.
2. Diagnose the problem
There are several reasons why a plant could be dying, so you need to diagnose the reason first. Consider the possibilities: the amount of water you’ve given it, plant nutrition, pests and diseases, as well as whether it’s been getting the right amount of sunlight.
3. Prune any dead or dying leaves
Removing dead leaves will give your plant more energy to focus on new growth because it’s not trying to maintain dying leaves! Start by trimming the leaves, then, do the same to the dead stems. Trim one third at a time, until you see signs of green. New stems can grow from the trimmed ones.
If the stems are completely dead but the plant roots are still alive, don’t trim the dead stems all the way down to the roots. Leave about 5cm of the stem intact above the soil. When you manage to revive the plant, new growth will sprout from them.
4. Repot and change its soil
It’s important to get to the root of the problem and looking at the roots and refreshing the pot/soil is a great way to do that.
A simple repotting can sometimes be all that is required to bring a dying plant back to life. A larger container with well-draining soil can work wonders.
5. Adjust light
If your plant has been getting too much sun, it will have dried-out leaves with dark or bleached patches. So how do you revive a plant that gets too much sun? Trim the harmed leaves, move it to a less sunny spot and water it well
Plants with too little light will lose leaves along the bottom of their stems and grow leggy. They’ll look like they’re reaching out for more light.
If a plant isn’t getting enough light, move it to a different location or consider adding a grow light.
6. Adjust watering
Clear signs that your plant is thirsty include brown leaves that are dry around the edges or curled up. The soil near the roots will be completely dry too. If your plant is dying because you didn’t give it enough water, the solution is obvious: water it!
If the soil is soggy and the plant is droopy and lifeless, it could be due to overwatering and root rot. Here is what to do:
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- Repot your plant
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- Look for root rot—if it’s present, a portion of the roots will be mushy and brown
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- Remove the damaged roots, carefully rinsing them clean with water
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- Repot in new well draining soil in a pot with proper drainage
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- Trim back any yellow or brown leaves
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- Adjust to only watering when the plant’s soil indicates it needs it by being dry.
7. Treat any pests the plant might have
Look closely at your plant for any pests. You might see brown eggs, tiny insects, or nibbled leaves. In the case of mealybugs, it’ll look like spiderwebs or cotton. Once you determine the pest, research the best method of treatment to help your plant recover.
8. Don’t lose hope
Give the plant time to bounce back. Wait at least a few weeks to month to reassess if your efforts are paying off. Keep in mind it might take longer than you expected, but it’s all part of the process of learning and growing!