We’ve all been there. Life got busy and somehow your houseplant is less than happy. Don’t worry! Follow these tips to bring it back.
Keep in mind a plant’s health depends on if it’s getting too much or too little of something it needs. So before you pour water on it…take some time to look at the signs the plant is giving you! Here’s what to look for:
Not enough Sun:
Lack of growth, pale leaves, weak stems
What to do: Gently dust leaves and move to a sunnier spot.
Too much Sun:
Dark or bleached spots on the leaves. And often, the soil under the plant has little or no moisture, causing it to harden.
What to do: Trim the foliage, water the plant well and move to a shadier location. The more humidity, the better to help revive your scorched plant.
Too much Water:
Plant looks wilted, but it’s soil is moist. Brown or Yellow Leaves and/or root rot.
What to do:
Repot in fresh soil and keep out of direct sunlight. Research your plant’s needs and adjust watering accordingly.
Underwatered Plant:
Dry and drooping leaves. Hard soil.
What to do:
Keep out of direct sun and thoroughly water. Place in a humid area if possible.
Root Bound Plant:
It can be hard to identify symptoms of a root bound plant above the soil. They can often look like symptoms of an under-watered plant. Wilting, yellow or brown leaves, and stunted growth. Look for roots poking through drainage holes or attempt to slide the plant out of its container to get a really good look!
What to do:
Re-pot in a larger container. Gently untangle the roots with your fingers before repotting. If roots resist, you can use a knife or sharp garden tool.
Lack of Nutrition:
Stunted Growth and dying stems. If you haven’t added fertilizer or plant food, your plant might be hungry for nutrients it uses up regularly.
What to do:
Re-pot in fresh soil and add plant food. My recipe for homemade plant food is affordable and easy to make.
Pests:
Before buying new plants, check them from top to bottom, looking on leaf undersides, along the stems, and even in the soil for signs of houseplant pests. Holes in leaves, folded leaves, discolored leaves, growth on leaves.
What to do:
Wipe leaves off with a soap solution. Mix 2.5 tablespoons of a natural dish soap with 2 cups of water in a bottle and spray plants with the solution. The spray will dislodge any pests, as well as dehydrate aphids and spider mites.
Even though your plant might be struggling, there’s still hope! Just take the time to listen to your plant to bring it back to life! It can take anywhere between a few weeks or even a month until your plant makes a recovery, so be patient and watch for signs of progress. And once you revive your houseplant, keep up with regular watering, sunlight and soils needs to keep it growing strong.
What to do if all else fails, and you’ve passed the point of no return and lose your plant?? Try one of these for potentially an easier plant to take care of. But don’t give up! Anyone can be a good plant parent. Even if you’ve lost some in the past.
Happy Houseplanting!
-Dana