{"id":7413,"date":"2021-06-11T00:34:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-11T00:34:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=7413"},"modified":"2021-06-11T00:34:03","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T00:34:03","slug":"10-simple-steps-to-revive-a-dead-or-dying-plant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/10-simple-steps-to-revive-a-dead-or-dying-plant\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Simple Steps To Revive a Dead or Dying Plant"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Even if a plant looks dead, it doesn&rsquo;t mean that it is. Try these expert gardening tricks to revive your precious plant instead of tossing it.\n<h4>All may not be lost!\n</h4><p><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7415 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>If you\u2019re here, chances are you\u2019ve got a dead plant on your hands. But we\u2019ve got some good news for you: Your sad-looking plant maybe only mostly dead and you might actually be able to revive it. \u201cSome of the most common reasons for a plant to deteriorate are overwatering or underwatering, not getting the right amount of sun, changes to their environment, bugs and pests, or nutrient deficiencies,\u201d says gardening expert John Valentino, owner of John &amp; Bob\u2019s Smart Soil Solutions. \u201cAll of these problems can be fixed, as long as you notice them in time.\u201d\n</p><p>Of course, we\u2019re here to tell you exactly how to do that. From identifying even the most subtle signs of life to correcting the mistakes you\u2019ve made, these simple steps will help you return your plant to its former glory and help you reap the health benefits of gardening. Once you\u2019re a plant pro, you might want to peruse the best places to buy plants online and pick up a few of the best indoor plants\u2014or maybe these artificial plants that no one will be able to tell are fake.\n</p><h4>1. Look for signs of life\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7416 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"466\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant2.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>When it comes to plants, \u201cdead\u201d is a relative term. It may look like your plant is a goner, but when you take a closer look, that may not actually be the case. If there\u2019s any green left on the plant, you might still be in business. \u201cAny signs of green on the stem mean there\u2019s a chance you\u2019ll be able to bring it back to life,\u201d says Valentino.\n</p><p>You should also check the roots. As the plant\u2019s support system, they provide a lot of information about the state of its overall health. Translation: Even if the visible parts of the plant are a mess, the roots may still be receiving enough nutrients and water to keep it going. \u201cHealthy roots should appear plump and be white to tan in color with white tips,\u201d says Jennifer Morganthaler, an agriculture instructor at Missouri State University. \u201cThe roots should still be alive and have a chance to recover for any of these tips to work to save the plant.\u201d If you do find signs of life, the next step is figuring out what went wrong and how to revive your plant.\n</p><h4>2. Check if you\u2019ve overwatered\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7417 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant3.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Plants need water to survive and thrive, but it\u2019s possible to give a plant too much water. How can you tell? \u201cOverwatered plants will have brown or yellow wilted leaves with moist soil,\u201d says Valentino. \u201cThis will affect the roots, which can start to rot.\u201d If you\u2019ve been giving your plant too much water, you will need to make some changes\u2014ASAP. \u201cMove the plant out of direct sunlight and stop watering until the soil dries out,\u201d advises Morganthaler. \u201cIf the soil is soggy, you may want to change the soil and the pot.\u201d From there, do a little research. Look up your plant and its watering preferences, and make sure to follow that information to a T in the future.\n</p><h4>3. Check if you\u2019ve underwatered\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7418 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant4.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"411\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant4.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Just like overwatering, it\u2019s also easy to underwater\u2014and for many people, a likely scenario. What are the signs of a thirsty plant? \u201cThe plant will begin to wilt,\u201d notes Morganthaler. \u201cLeaves will start to dry out and brown at the tips, and then turn brown, die, and drop off. The soil will also crack and pull away from the edges of the pot.\u201d\n</p><p>Of course, water is the answer here, but you have to go about watering a dying plant in the right way. \u201cIf a plant has been severely underwatered, a quick way to revive it is to let it soak in water for a few hours,\u201d says Vickie Christensen, master gardener, and plant doctor at L\u00e9on &amp; George. \u201cMany plants go from droopy and sad to beautiful, lush, and perky in just one day with this method!\u201d\n</p><p>From there, it\u2019s all about regular TLC. \u201cWater more often, and give the plant the same amount of water each time,\u201d Morganthaler advises. \u201cMake sure to give the water time to soak down to the roots.\u201d A soil moisture meter can help you monitor the soil\u2019s moisture\u2014and make sure you\u2019re on the right track for your specific plant.\n</p><h4>4. Remove dead leaves\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7419 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant5.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Plants that are deteriorating will likely have dead leaves, and you\u2019ll need to get rid of them. Be ruthless: If leaves are completely brown, they\u2019re not coming back; you want to focus on new growth instead. To remove them, snip the dead leaves with a pair of plant shears or scissors, or gently pinch the dead leaves with your fingertips. Typically, dead leaves will come off the stem easily, but if you have to tug, use a pair of shears.\n</p><h4>5. Trim back the stems\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7420 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant6.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant6.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Of course, green is good. Anything else? Not so much. To that end, you\u2019ll want to trim stems back to just the green tissue. \u201cTrim back the dead leaves, and then take off dead bits of the stem as well,\u201d says Valentino. \u201cIdeally, you want to take it all the way back to the healthiest bits of the plant, but if the stems are dead, then leave at least two inches of them above the soil.\u201d\n</p><p>This is also a good time to change the soil\u2014and even the pot. Morganthaler recommends repotting the plant in a larger container or pot at this time. And be warned: You likely won\u2019t see a change for the better right away. Depending on the plant, it could take a few weeks or longer till the plant is in a better state of health.\n</p><h4>6. Look at the lighting\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7421 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"486\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant7.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Let there be light\u2014or maybe not so much of it! Lighting is an important factor for the health of your houseplants, so you\u2019ll need to make sure that your variety is getting the optimal amount. Once you know if your houseplant prefers full sun, partial sun, direct sunlight, or direct sunlight, then you can move it to a more suitable area of your home. \u201cIf your plant isn\u2019t getting enough light, moving it to somewhere it will help,\u201d says Christensen. Depending on its state, a seemingly dead plant might perk up sooner rather than later with just this simple tweak. Don\u2019t have a lot of light in your home? Consider these low-light houseplants that thrive in near darkness.\n</p><h4>7. Determine if your plant needs more humidity\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7422 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant8.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant8.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>If your plant came from the tropics, it may be dying to get back to that type of environment\u2014literally. Although the amount of humidity depends on the plant, there are some indicators that a plant may need more moisture in the air. \u201cIf the humidity is too low,\u201d says Morganthaler, \u201cthe plant can show signs of shriveling, browning, and wilting.\u201d If more humidity is needed, try misting your plants regularly or grouping them together to help increase humidity.\n</p><p>Of course, too much humidity will be a problem for some plants. \u201cIf the humidity is too high, the plant can develop mold or mildew, fungal infections, and yellow leaves,\u201d says Morganthaler. In general, she notes, plants with thicker, waxier leaves tolerate dry air better, and that\u2019s the situation in most of our homes. Still, Christensen adds, \u201cwhile houseplants have been acclimated for life indoors and don\u2019t necessarily need very humid conditions, most won\u2019t like sitting next to a heater or air vent, as this can be too dry for their liking.\u201d\n</p><h4>8. Provide additional nutrients\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7423 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant9.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant9.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Feeding your plant is especially important during the growing seasons of spring and summer. A malnourished plant, says Valentino, will exhibit weak stems or discolored leaves, so to revive a dying plant, you\u2019ll need compost or fertilizer. Two good options: Dr. Earth\u2019s liquid food, which contains only organic ingredients and no synthetic chemicals, and the brand\u2019s all-purpose organic fertilizer for all types of plants. Simply repotting your dying plant can also help. \u201cSoil can become depleted of nutrients over time, so repotting every few years is always a good idea,\u201d says Christensen.\n</p><p>If, however, your plant is in bad shape, it\u2019s a good idea to start out slow. You don\u2019t want to make a number of sudden changes all at once since the plant is likely to already be in a state of shock and more susceptible to problems. Over time, keep up the good habits. \u201cMost plants do best with a little fertilizer, usually once or twice a month, during the growing season,\u201d Christensen adds.\n</p><h4>9. Wait at least a month\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7424 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant10.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"467\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant10.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>It can be easy to lose hope when it looks like your efforts aren\u2019t paying off. But remember: It took a while to nearly kill your plant, and it\u2019s going to take a while to nurse it back to health. The key is to be patient. Keep tending to your plant for a few weeks and then reevaluate. \u201cOnce you\u2019ve taken steps to revive a dying plant, it can take up to a month before you start to see an improvement or new growth, so don\u2019t give up on it too soon,\u201d says Valentino. You may also need to do some troubleshooting before figuring out the exact problem and the subsequent solution, so the process may take longer than expected. By the way, this is what your houseplants would tell you if they could.\n</p><h4>10. Compost it\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-7425 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/dead-plant11.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"700\"' height='\"525\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/dead-plant11.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>If you\u2019ve tried everything, including waiting a minimum of a month, and your plant hasn\u2019t made any progress, it\u2019s possible that it\u2019s time to say goodbye. But instead of tossing your dead plant in the trash, place it in a compost bin. When you compost your plants, even if they\u2019re dead, the remains can be turned into nutrient-rich soil that acts as a natural fertilizer that can benefit your other houseplants or garden. That means your dead plant can have new life\u2014and contribute to the health of your future plants while also helping the environment.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>Even if a plant looks dead, it doesn&rsquo;t mean that it is. Try these expert gardening tricks to revive your precious plant instead of tossing it. All may not be lost! If you\u2019re here, chances are you\u2019ve got a dead plant on your hands. But we\u2019ve got some good news for you: Your sad-looking plant\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7414,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"10 Simple Steps To Revive a Dead or Dying Plant","_seopress_titles_desc":"Even if a plant looks dead, it doesn't mean that it is. 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