How To Save A Dying Plant

My indoor plants are dying! When I see their leaves turning brown and withering, I scream (in my mind though) why? I already give them water, vitamin, and sunlight; what’s wrong with my plant? If this is your question too, let’s learn how to save a dying plant that works.

Witnessing a beloved plant deteriorate can be disheartening, but fear not! With the right knowledge and care, you can revive a dying plant and bring it back to its former glory.

You can rescue a dying plant and give it a new lease on life. Remember, each plant has unique needs, so it’s essential to understand your specific species and adapt your care accordingly.

Read: how to save a dying calathea plant

With patience, proper diagnosis, and targeted treatments, you can successfully revive your struggling plant and enjoy its beauty

Let’s explore essential steps to save a dying plant and restore vitality to your struggling green companion!

Read: How To Save Dying Plants Indoor

Sign of Dying Plant

Just like a human, even plants always give the visual sign of distress too.  When our body lacks food or drink, our body will give us a clear sign. For a plant, we have to know what to look for.

An easy and clear sign can be seen on plant leaves. Like our stomach, leaves are the food-producing organ of the plant. Leaves will tell you about a plant’s health, how the condition is. Is it getting enough food, water, and light, or it is just too much

Read: how to save dying bamboo plant

Common Problem

Before taking any action, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of your plant’s decline. By understanding the specific issue, you can implement the most effective solutions.

Here are some common problems and their corresponding symptoms:

Watering Issues

Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves; root rot or dry roots.

To diagnose if your plant is suffering from watering issues, check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels excessively dry or overly wet, the watering routine might need adjustment.

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Nutritional Deficiencies

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves with green veins; stunted growth.

Plants require a balanced supply of essential nutrients. Nutrient deficiencies can occur due to poor soil quality or lack of fertilizer. Consider conducting a soil test to determine the specific nutrient requirements of your plant.

Pest Infestation

Symptoms: Holes in leaves; sticky residue; presence of insects.

Inspect your plant carefully for signs of pests, such as aphids, mites, or mealybugs. Depending on the type of infestation, various treatments like organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help eliminate the pests.

See: how to save a dying rubber tree plant

Specific Solutions for Dying Plants

This article from Geneva V tell us a great solution for our dying plant

PESTS OR INFECTIONS

Signs
Leaves with brown spots, holes, nibbled edges, or insects anywhere on the plant are sure signs of pest infestation or disease. Whilst power mildew or grey fuzzy mold on leaves attract and encourage insect infestations on the plant.

Solution
Before buying and bringing a new plant home, make sure you inspect the plant thoroughly for any signs of pest infestation or disease because it will likely spread to your other plants at home.

If the plant is already in your home, isolate the plant, remove any infected leaves and wipe insects off using a damp cloth or insecticidal soap. Applying neem oil helps controls many house plant pests and fungus as it is also an organic insecticide.

You need to remove dead leaves and dead plant, root rot and repotted with fresh soil.

Read: How To Save A Dying Rosemary Plant

OVERWATERING

Signs
Overwatered plants usually have very wilted, droopy leaves that are still soft and pliable even when they are dead (i.e., drowned). This is most common with cactus, which are commonly overwatered (a good rule of thumb is to water them next to never).

Solution
Water your plant consistently but less often, allowing the water to soak thoroughly through the soil. Do not excess water too. This will encourage stronger root growth as the plant learns it doesn’t get watered so vigorously, so it needs to store the water it does get.

Also pay attention to the type of soil you use. types of plants and enough drainage holes for well-draining soil.

LACK OF SUNLIGHT

Signs
Plants that are lanky, floppy, pale, are shedding leaves, or have new pale and flimsy growth are probably not getting enough natural light. The plant often gets leggy with succulents where the stem grows long, and the leaves become widely spread.

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Solution
Some plants require bright light with natural direct sunlight while others need only indirect sunlight or indirect light. Finding out which type is most suitable for your plant will help you determine whether it’s getting enough sunlight or not.

Move the plant to a windowsill, keep the blinds open, and move plants as infrequently as possible because they will often have to re-orientate themselves to sunlight by growing new leaves.

DEHYDRATION

Signs
Leaves will often have discolored leaves (brown leaves or yellow leaf) tips or edges plant foliage or go “crispy” when the plant is not getting enough water. When water passes through the soil without soaking in, it also means the soil has been dried out, and the plant is most likely dehydrated.

Solution
Increase the frequency of watering to have moist soil, and on first watering, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil with a pitcher of water or the pot in a sink and leaving the tap on in a small trickle for 15 minutes.

Another solution could be to repot the plant in a larger container because the roots could be too tightly packed and are fighting for space (and water).

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY

Signs
Lack of new growth, pale leaves with light green veins, or new leaves that never grow to the same size as the old ones or are misshapen are usually signs of nutrient deficiencies. Most signs will manifest as yellowing of leaves in the case of deficiencies in nitrogen, potassium (yellowing of tips and edges), and iron (full yellowing of leaf).

Solution
Add organic fertilizers such as compost or coffee grounds to the soil, slowly lowering pH over time, increasing microbial life, and improving your soil structure. In particular, plants low in iron need a soil pH below 7 which can be facilitated by adding acidic mulches such as pine needles.

LOW HUMIDITY

Signs
Low humidity allows moisture on the leaf surface to evaporate quickly, especially for tropical plant that thrive in humid conditions. Lose leaves or brown streaks that develop on leaves are a sign of too dry air, which is particularly common during winter months.

Solution
Spray the leaves during the winter months to mimic humid conditions and keep humidity-loving plants in smaller rooms that are less drafty or in bathrooms that get steamy when you shower. Spray plants with water frequently and cluster plants to increase humidity.

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How To Save A Dying Plant
How To Save A Dying Plant (Illustrations by Annie Huang – apairandasparediy.com)

Common Reviving Techniques

Once you have identified the problem, it’s time to take action. Here are some effective techniques to save your dying plant:

  • Adjust Watering: Provide the appropriate amount of water according to your plant’s needs. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Conversely, avoid underwatering by maintaining consistent moisture levels.
  • Soil Improvement: If your plant shows signs of nutrient deficiencies, amend the soil with organic matter and suitable fertilizers. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to provide long-term nourishment. Adjust the pH level if necessary, as different plants thrive in different pH ranges.
  • Pruning and Trimming: Remove any dead or diseased foliage to promote new growth. Pruning encourages the plant to allocate resources to healthier areas, aiding in its recovery. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to minimize damage and prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Pest Control: Treat pest infestations promptly using organic or chemical methods, depending on your preference. Follow the instructions carefully and consider isolating the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading to others.

Ongoing Care

After nursing your plant back to health, it’s crucial to maintain its well-being. Here are some essential tips for ongoing care:

  1. Adequate Light: Ensure your plant receives the appropriate amount of light based on its species’ requirements. Insufficient or excessive light can cause stress and affect growth.
  2. Consistent Watering: Establish a regular watering schedule, considering the plant’s needs and the environmental conditions. Avoid overwatering or underwatering, as both can harm the plant.
  3. Regular Inspections: Monitor your plant regularly for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Early detection allows for swift action, preventing further damage.

My Dried Plant Will Revive

Yes, playing as plant doctor, I diagnosed that my house plant is dying. From the signs above, it is clear that my plant alive in dehydrated condition.

I have been watering it regularly, but it turns out the soil is bone dry and cannot absorb water well. With the sweltering outdoor weather, my plants can not survive.

So, I move my plant to a more shady place, crumble the soil to soak water more, and increase the frequency of watering with just enough water. To prevent insects I add insecticidal soap too.

Learn how to save a dying plant above; Cross my finger hope, my dried-out potted plant will revive with healthy root and healthy plant.