Have you ever brought home a beautiful plant, only to watch it wither away despite your best efforts? It’s a frustratingly common experience. Houseplants aren’t just about aesthetics; they bring life, colour, and a touch of nature to our homes. And it can feel like a personal failure when they start to wither away. But did you know that you can revive your dying plants? Here’s what you need to do.

The best way to find out if your plant can be saved is to touch the stem. If it’s still soft and green, just cut off the dead part and it’ll grow back, but if it is brittle, check the roots. If they are still green and not rotting, your plant can be saved. Cut off the portion of the stem that has died or leave at least 2 inches of stem above the roots. Then figure out what might be killing your plants and take preventive measures. Here are some reasons your plants might be dying and how to revive them. 

1. Overwatering 

Overwatering is the most common mistake, even though it comes from a place of love. You’re just trying to keep your plant hydrated, but too much water can drown it, literally. When roots sit in soggy soil, they rot, and your plant can’t breathe. If you notice yellow, drooping leaves or a funky smell coming from the soil, your plant is essentially waving a white flag. To avoid overwatering, try the finger test—stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time for a drink. If it’s damp, step away. Also, make sure your pots have drainage holes because plants, like people, don’t like soggy feet.

2. Underwatering

On the flip side, underwatering is another silent killer. If the leaves are brown, crispy, or curling, your plant is begging for water. But here’s the trick: don’t just dump water on top of super-dry soil. Instead, try bottom watering. Place your plant in a water-filled sink or bucket and let it soak moisture from the roots for about 30 minutes. This method ensures even hydration and avoids over-saturating the topsoil.

3. Lighting

Lighting is another diva-level requirement for plants. Too much sun, and they’re fried. Too little, and they sulk in a dark corner like neglected teenagers. Each plant has its preferences, so do your research. If you’ve noticed your plant looking pale or leggy, it might need more sunlight. Clean your windows to let more light in, or place reflective pebbles around the base of the plant to send extra rays its way. However, if you are trying to revive your plant from the dead for any other reason than lack of sunlight, give it only half as much sunlight as usually required. Too much sunlight in the healing stage might damage the plant again. 

4. Soil quality

Neglecting soil quality is like feeding your plant fast food every day – it’ll survive for a while, but not thrive. Over time, the nutrients in the soil get depleted, leaving your plant malnourished. Repotting your plant every 12-18 months can give it the fresh start it desperately needs. Look out for roots circling the edge of the pot – that’s your plant’s way of saying, “I need more space”. And please, for the love of greenery, don’t use garden soil for your houseplants. It’s too dense and will suffocate them.

5. Pests 

Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are like the nosy neighbours of the plant world – unwanted and destructive. Keep an eye out for signs of infestation, especially under the leaves where pests love to hide. If you spot them, fight back with neem oil or a gentle soapy water spray. For added protection, quarantine new plants before introducing them to your green family, and consider adding pest-repelling plants like marigolds or chives to your collection.

6. Temperature fluctuations

Temperature changes can also stress your plant out. Think of it like this: you don’t enjoy sitting next to a blasting heater in winter or an icy AC vent in summer, and neither does your plant. Sudden shifts in temperature or dry air can leave your plant looking sad and stressed. Keep them in a stable environment and away from extreme conditions, and they’ll thank you with healthy growth.

7. Wrong type of water

If the area where you live gets very hard water, it would be better to use filtered water for your plants. Though hard water doesn’t necessarily kill your plants, it does obstruct their growth. And don’t shock your plants with cold or scorching hot water – room temperature is just right.

8. Fertiliser

Finally, let’s address fertiliser. While it might seem like a good idea to shower your struggling plant with nutrients, over-fertilising can do more harm than good, especially if you are reviving a dying plant. Fertilise only during the growing season, which is generally from spring to autumn. 

9. Wait for a month

Once you’ve made all these adjustments, here’s the hardest part: patience. Give your plants at least a month to show signs of recovery. If there’s no improvement after that, it might be time to let go. 

See, it’s not that difficult to save or even revive a dying plant. All you need is to be a little observant.

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