How do you save overdried potted plants?

Casandra Greer
It takes approx. 4 minutes to read this article

You may have gone on vacation and forgotten to water your flowers at home. When you returned you were faced with the unpleasant sight that your plants were dried out and you did not know what to do with them. Read the article to find out how to save them!

You don’t have to be a florist to know that keeping flowers in good condition is not an easy task. A packed schedule, late returns from work and sleepless nights only make things more difficult. This is reflected in the condition of the plants, which are often overwatered

Mistakes made in caring for plants

The most common mistake that leads to the death of the plant is inadequate moisture in the substrate. If we are in a hurry and live in a hurry, we may not remember to water our flowers, which results in leaf fall and a change in the color of the flowers. If you are in a hurry and want to take care of plants, opt for species that do not require so much attention from you. Swamioculcas, selected cacti or sanseweries do not need constant supervision and can survive for a relatively long time.

The light to which we expose flowers makes the process of photosynthesis take place. This is reflected in the condition of the plant – when this exposure is absent, then it loses nutrients and does not grow. Pay attention to the light the plant is exposed to. Perhaps it is standing in a shady place in the house, its leaves are getting smaller and there is no possibility of growth. Not every species is light-hardy, so be prepared for a situation where, despite the rays provided, the plant starts to wilt, develops dark spots and begins to crumble

Make sure what species you have in your care and which place in your home will be best for it.

How to prevent plants from drying out?

When your home abounds with potted plants, first of all, remember to water them regularly. The frequency depends on the season you are currently in and the species you are caring for. Normally you should check the moisture level 1-3 times a week. Pay special attention during the warmest and coldest months, because then the air circulation changes significantly and the plants are most likely to wilt at this time. Papyrus, creeping figs and fiddleheads are species that are extremely sensitive to water shortages. Also monitor potted plants, such as Indian azaleas, which grow in peat-based soil.

Change the soil in the pot regularly. The soil of a dried out plant compacts and this leads to uneven watering of the flower. Usually in such situations the water flows to the bottom without reaching the roots. Loosen the soil and provide the plant with new soil that has more minerals and will work for health.

Plant SOS

When a situation arises where the potting soil is dried out and the leaves have yellowed, it’s time for a rescue mission. In this case, all that remains is for you to place the flower with the pot halfway up in a container filled with water. Wait until the substrate is fully wet. After an hour or so, remove the plant from the container and get rid of the excess water. The plant should look better after a few hours.

Often the plant looks very unwell from the outside, but it is worth giving it a second chance. A rescue measure is to cut off the dried leaves and branches. Continue doing this until you see juices inside the plant. It is very possible that you will have to get rid of most of the plant, don’t let that discourage you. This is a must in extreme situations, but if the roots have managed to survive, chances are your flower will have years of life ahead of it. Then be patient, as regrowing a plant is a long and arduous process that is not always successful.

Main Photo: Scott Webb/unsplash.com

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