Indoor plants can seem like delicate beings, ready to wither when you least expect it, or to suffer the unexpected attack of a legion of small and mysterious insects or fungiBut think about it: without access to rainwater (no, it doesn't rain in your kitchen) and without those wonderful ladybugs hungry and ready to feast on insects, the plant you share your life with depends entirely on you and your care.
Fortunately, most indoor plant problems are solved. have a relatively easy solution, and they usually fall into one of these four categories: too much water (or too little), a pot that is too small, lack of nutrients, or insects.
1. Is your plant wilting or going limp?
Oddly enough, a plant that is beginning to wilt may be suffering from either overwatering or underwatering. However, when it comes to indoor plants, it is more common that we have watered more than necessary.
Most plants like to thrive in soil that's only slightly damp to the touch, so wait until the surface of your pot is dry before reaching for the watering can again. But if dryness is your problem, grouping your plants together or placing them in a shallow tray filled with gravel and water to a depth of about an inch can help. This way, your plants will water themselves, but the gravel will prevent them from absorbing too much moisture, which could lead to root rot.
2. Is your plant not growing? Take a look at its pot.
Squeezing your plant's roots in a tiny pot is a crime. Here's why: Your pot should be large enough to allow the roots to establish, but also to leave room for them to grow and for new roots to appear, as your pothos or monstera will need them to grow at its natural pace. If you see roots poking out of the holes in your pot, it's time to relocate it and move your plant to a larger container. As a general rule, look for a pot that's about five centimeters wider than your plant. This extra space will allow the roots to develop and your plant to grow as it needs.
3. Does your plant have insects or fungi? Try this.
Plants suffer from pests, just as people can catch a cold. Therefore, it's a good idea to inspect your plant from time to time. in search of insects and fungi that may be weakening it. The quickest way to find potential insects is to shake or wave your hand over the leaves, like a fan.
If whiteflies, one of the most common pests, mosquitoes, or any other insect appear while you're doing this, you know you have a problem. It's also a good idea to check the leaves: if you find a shiny, sticky substance, your plant may have aphids.
When you discover your plant is suffering from a pest, it's time to get to work. It's not difficult: generally, you can use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to thoroughly clean the leaves and get rid of them.
4. And don't forget to check the light
If you live with a succulent and have placed it in a dark corner, don't be surprised if it wilts or becomes limp. Both succulents and cacti are sun-loving plants and will prefer a brighter location.
The general rule of thumb: a south- or east-facing window will provide the preferred lighting for most of your plants, as long as you place them between one and two meters away from the window to prevent them from burning out in the summer. Conversely, a west-facing window can be a good home for a fern, a monstera, or even a snake plant—plants that thrive on less light.
How to revive your plants: Diagnosing the problems
Are your plants wilted? We'll tell you what to do depending on your situation (whether it's due to lack of water, overwatering, or pests). If you're reading this post, your situation is most likely one of these:
- You've returned from vacation and found your plants withered.
- You've overwatered and drowned your pots.
- One of your plants is wilting because it is suffering from a pest.
Here we'll explain what to do in these cases to restore your plants to a healthy, vibrant state.
How to revive dried plants after the holidays
First of all: stay calm. Even if your plants look wilted and dry, the problem is often not as serious as it seems. As long as the roots and the majority of the plant are intact, It is possible to save it and make it grow again.
1. Why has your plant dried out? (And what have been the consequences?)
If you return from vacation and find several dry pots, it's most likely because you weren't there to water them while you were away, and you didn't have a neighbor who could take care of them.
But be careful: sometimes the answer isn't that simple. For example, when you went on vacation, Did you leave the pots near a window to get some sun? Is it possible that, in addition to a lack of watering, these plants are receiving too many hours of light, and that this has caused them to wilt?
Additionally, a dry plant is easy prey for pests. So also check to see if any of them have developed aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, or other unwanted visitors. It's important to take all of these factors into account; otherwise, even re-watering the plant may not be enough to recover.
2. Remove wilted stems and flowers
The next step is to prune the plant and remove all dead partsEven if they look wilted, the plant is still sending leaves and nutrients to those stems, which wastes energy and can prevent recovery. Before watering again, make sure you leave only the healthy parts.
3. Water it again (but in moderation)
Be very careful. No matter how thirsty your plant is, that doesn't mean you should pour massive amounts of water on it. That could end up damaging it further.
To start, look at the layer of soil in contact with the surface. Has a hard crust formed due to lack of moisture? If so, the first step is to remove that layer of substrate. Otherwise, because it's so compacted, it will act as a barrier and prevent some of the water from reaching the plant's roots.
Once done, the ideal is to remove the entire root ball from the pot and put it in a basin of warm water for at least 10 minutesThis will soften the substrate and allow the plant to gradually absorb water through its roots. After this time, return it to its pot. From here, just continue watering it normally for the next few days and see how it responds.
By the way, on plants that allow it (like tropical ones) you can also use a spray bottle to moisten the leaves.
Keys to reviving a drowned plant
Another common cause is that you've overwatered your plant. In most cases, when a plant suffers from this problem, its leaves begin to turn yellow and eventually dry out. If you notice these symptoms in your plants, do the following:
- Remove the root ball from the plant: You can gently tap the edges of the pot to loosen the soil and make it easier for the root ball to come out.
- Remove any remaining soil: Once you have the root ball exposed, gently remove all traces of wet soil from the roots. You can use a soft-bristled brush or even a paintbrush. Be careful not to use more water, as this could worsen the problem.
- Dry the plant: Wrap the roots in absorbent paper and let it sit for a full day. If you notice the paper getting too wet, change it from time to time.
- Remove brown roots: After a day, examine the roots and look for any brown ones. This is a sign that the root has rotted, and you should remove it to prevent it from harming the rest of the plant.
- Replant it: Place the plant back in a pot with new substrate and wait a few days before watering again.
Remember that overwatering is as dangerous as, or even more dangerous than, underwatering. Always find out about your plants' water needs. and use pots with good drainage to avoid problems.
How to revive a sick plant
Here the course of action will depend on whether your plant has been infected by:
- Mushrooms.
- Pests (insects, mites, etc.).
We see them separately.
- Revive a plant with fungi
Let's be honest with you: saving a plant suffering from a fungal attack is very complicated. Fungi infiltrate the plant's tissue and infect it, even reaching the roots. If this is the case with your plant, it can be very difficult to completely eliminate the infection and recover.
The first thing you should do is determine what caused the fungus to appear and solve it (in many cases the reason is overwatering). Once done:
- Clean the leaves: to remove any spore residue that may be on them. If you notice any signs of disease, prune them.
- Remove the root ball: and clean the roots to remove any possible fungal residue that may be present both on them and in the substrate.
- Disinfect the pot: and completely renew the substrate to avoid re-infection.
- Replant the plant: and wait a few days to see how it evolves.
Additionally, it is highly recommended that you use a fungicide to help the plant fight the fungus.
Reviving a plant with a pest
Pests are generally much easier to control. The process to follow will depend largely on the type of pest in question. However, it is common to apply a specific phytosanitary product (acaricide, insecticide, etc.) to eliminate the specific pest.
Additionally, it's important to identify what caused the pest to appear to prevent it from recurring. For example, sometimes the problem is that the plant is weakened for some reason, while in other cases, the source of the problem is excessive fertilizer.
Can I revive a wilted plant? Five things to check
If your plant is starting to look more like a forgotten decorative object than anything else, don't panic just yet. Plants can often recover if we detect signs of life early and act consciously. Before saying goodbye to your favorite plant, check out these five key points to see if there's still hope and it deserves a second chance.
Main stem, is there still life?
The condition of the stem is one of the best clues to a plant's health, because it's the channel through which sap, the plant equivalent of our blood, circulates. If it's firm and flexible, it means water and nutrients are still circulating; if it's dry and brittle, it's probably no longer fulfilling its vital function. Instead of scraping the bark, which can be invasive, gently bend the stem and see if it offers strength and flexibility. If it feels turgid and springs back, there's life; if, on the other hand, it creaks or snaps easily, it's dry inside.
Roots: the key to survival
The roots are the heart of the plant. They are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the substrate, so their condition directly reflects the plant's ability to survive and regenerate. To check them, carefully remove the plant from the substrate and observe its appearance. If there are rotten roots, cut off the affected areas with sterilized scissors and let the plant dry before repotting it in a new, well-drained substrate. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the rot from returning. If the plant has very few healthy roots, place it in a humid, but not waterlogged, environment. You can plant it in a light substrate until it begins to develop new roots.
Leaves: wilted or completely dry?
Leaves can be deceiving: a plant with wilted or yellow leaves isn't necessarily dead. The important thing is to differentiate between dry leaves and leaves wilted due to lack of water. If the leaves are sunburned, trim off the damaged parts and move the plant to a location with indirect light. If overwatering was the problem, reduce the humidity and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
Substrate status: neither drowned nor desert-like
Unsuitable soil may be causing the problem. Is the potting mix completely dry and has pulled away from the sides of the pot? Or, on the contrary, does it smell musty and feel soggy? A dry, hardened potting mix prevents the plant from absorbing water properly. Sometimes we insist on watering at all costs, without checking whether the potting mix is actually absorbing water. When the soil is very compacted or repels water, the liquid simply runs off the edges and doesn't reach the roots, leaving the plant dehydrated even if it appears to have been watered. On the other hand, waterlogged soil can cause root rot and fungal diseases.
New shoots: the definitive sign
If your plant shows new shoots, even small ones, there's life in it. Look at the base of the stem and the leaf axils: sometimes, new buds may be emerging without you noticing. Green shoots are often the best sign of recovery, even if the plant has lost all its leaves. If you notice small green dots on the stem or new roots at the base, it means the plant is responding to care.
Factors to consider for plant recovery
On your journey to plant recovery, there are several factors to consider:
- Check the drainage: Good drainage is vital for root health.
- Light conditions: Location can make a difference in plant health.
- Pest control: Maintain constant vigilance to avoid pests that can weaken the plants.
- Stable temperatures: Avoiding sudden changes in temperature helps keep plants healthy all year round.
If you consistently apply these tips and observe the signs of your plants, you're sure to keep them healthy and beautiful!