Revive and Thrive: How to Rescue a Dying Houseplant
We've all been there - you bring home a lush, thriving houseplant, but over time, it starts to droop, discolor, or just plain struggle. But fear not! Just because your green buddy is having a rough go of it doesn't mean it's game over. With a bit of understanding and TLC, you can nurse your plant back to health and vitality. So, let's dive in and figure out how to revive a dying houseplant!
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Spotting the Signs of a Struggling Plant
First things first: not all signs of distress are a death sentence! Sometimes, your plant is just going through a natural cycle or responding to changes in its environment. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
Yellowing leaves: This is often a sign of too much water. (But can sadly be a sign of underwatering too… this is a tough one.)
Brown, crispy leaves: These may be the result of too little water.
Wilted or drooping leaves: This could indicate insufficient light, water, or both.
Pests or disease: Watch out for tiny bugs, sticky residue, or discolored spots.
Diagnosing and Treating Common Houseplant Issues
Once you've identified the problem, it's time to address it head-on!
Light: This is the number one most important factor in plant care. Anytime someone messages me with a struggling plant, I ask how close the nearest window is. Your plants will almost always do better closer to the window. The exception would be if that window gets harsh direct light all day long.
If your plant is looking a little lackluster, the most common issue is probably that it’s not getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter spot but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Water: Overwatering is a very common killer of houseplants. Yellowing leaves or a rotting smell could be a sign that you're giving your plant too much H2O. If this is the case, let the soil dry out completely before watering again. On the other hand, if your plant's leaves are dry and crispy, you might not be watering enough. Remember: different plants have different watering needs, so be sure to do your homework! Make sure to stick your finger in the soil before watering every time. If the soil still feels wet, DO NOT WATER IT. Wait a few days and try again.
Pests: If you see tiny bugs or sticky residue, your plant might be under attack! Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. To treat, try rinsing your plant with a mild soap solution and warm water, or use a specialized insecticidal soap. The best insecticide I have found is Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew. You can find it for a reasonable price on Amazon. Just spray your plant all over with this stuff and it will kill any bugs in its path!
Disease: If you notice odd discoloration or spots on your plant, it could be a sign of disease. To treat, remove the affected leaves and make sure your plant has the right balance of light, water, and humidity.
Nutrient Deficiency: Yellowing leaves with green veins might be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Consider using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your plant a boost. If you have any plants that are heavy feeders, like Alocasia, African Violets, Colocasia, Calathea, etc you should fertilize often with a diluted fertilizer mix. I water these types of plants with a 1/4 - 1/2 strength fertilizer mix almost every time I water them. I have found better results doing this compared to giving them a strong fertilizer every once in a while. I think it provides a more balanced feeding with better results and consistent growth.
Creating an Ideal Environment for Your Plant
In addition to tackling these common problems, it's also essential to give your plant the right environment to thrive.
Potting: Make sure your plant has a pot with good drainage to avoid waterlogging. The size of the pot also matters - too small and the roots become cramped; too large and the roots may rot.
Humidity: Many houseplants originate from tropical climates and thrive in higher humidity. Consider grouping your plants together or using a humidifier to increase humidity.
Temperature: Avoid placing your plants near heating or cooling vents, as the sudden temperature changes can stress them out. Most houseplants prefer a consistent temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Notes
Remember, plant care is a learning process. If your plant is showing signs of distress, it's an opportunity to learn more about its needs and preferences. So, don't be disheartened - with a little patience and attention, your plants can bounce back from almost anything. After all, they're more resilient than we give them credit for!
So, here's to happy, healthy plants! 🌿
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This Week’s Happy Planter Submission
The Sarracenia Farnhamii Hybrid!
Love this plant because A: keeps those small pests away. But also B; how can you not love the look of the tri colour leaves and the baby pink new growth! (Bonus point, you can never overwater them, they prefer it!)
An absolutely incredible picture submitted by Callum Molloy @callummolloy0 on Twitter! Thank you so much for sharing this plant with us. Gotta love a plant immune to overwatering!
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-The Happy Planter