Lawn & Garden
Leaf It to Me: 9 Must-Haves to Revive Your Dying Plant
If there’s something here you decide you just must have, we’ve provided links to the product websites. When you click on the link and make a purchase, Beasley Media Group may earn a commission. We are an Amazon Associate and earn from qualifying purchases. If you’re notorious for having plants dying on you, even low-maintenance ones such as cacti or pothos, this post is for you. Aside from giving you tips and tricks on how to not kill the next potted gift you’ll receive this Christmas (if you're at that age where plants are an acceptable gift), we’ll also show you which part of the Internet you can purchase these products to keep your plants alive until next Christmas. Reviving a dying plant can be tricky, but if you’re serious about bringing it back to life (because your mother-in-law gave it to you), here’s a step-by-step guide to revive your plant: Check Your Plant's Health Are the leaves yellowing? Browning? Wilting? Or are there no more leaves for you to check? Look for signs of pests, rotting roots, or dehydration. Finding out what the problem is can help you find the right solution. You can’t give your plant medicine to treat pests if its problem is lack of sunlight. Inspect Your Dying Plant's Soil Is the soil too dry? Water your plant thoroughly, making sure it’s wet to the roots. You have watered it thoroughly if water is draining from the bottom. If the soil is too wet, let the soil dry out and check the roots. Roots that are overly watered will result in mushy, rotting roots. Trim away any rotted roots and repot the plant in well-draining soil to avoid overwatering again. Adjust Your Watering Habits Don’t be too eager to water your plants. Get to know your plants better since there are plants that don’t require frequent watering while there are those who guzzle water. Don’t overwater or underwater since it can lead to root rot or dehydration. Inspect Lighting Aside from making sure you know how much water your plant needs, it’s also important that you know how much sunlight it requires. If the plant needs a lot of sun, move it near the window or relocate it to a brighter area if natural light is unavailable. If your plant is getting sunburnt, move it to a shadier spot. Some plants also thrive in a dark, humid environment, so if that’s the case, move them to the bathroom. Trim Dead Parts Even if the part of the plant is already dead, you must trim it to encourage new growth and prevent further stress on the plant. It will also prevent pests from transferring to healthy leaves and stems. Re-pot if Necessary If your plant is not thriving, it may need a new home since it’s already getting too big for its current pot. Check if the plant’s roots are circling inside the pot. If yes, repot it into a pot or container 1-2 inches larger. When you re-pot your dying plant, it’s also important that you use fresh soil. Feed It Add some fertilizer to your plants for nutrients, but don’t overdo it. You can even give it food scraps like banana peels for potassium or crushed eggshells for calcium. Coffee grounds also work for magnesium, nitrogen, and other trace minerals, while citrus peels work for deterring pests. Be Patient! Lastly, give it time! Some dying plants take weeks to bounce back. Continue doing what you’re doing, especially if it’s working, but avoid making drastic changes too quickly.