Unfortunately, plant scares are more common than anyone who owns and enjoys caring for them would like. Especially when it comes to plants that sometimes spend long periods unattended, as is the case when we go on vacation or if you have plants in your second home that you visit from time to time. However, although it is always a situation to avoid, it does not necessarily mean the end of the plant. Coming home to dry plants due to lack of irrigation or some other factor can be a disaster, but in most cases it is a recoverable situation.
if you want to learn how to revive a plant whether it is dry, drowned or sick, keep reading us in this EcologíaVerde article.
Tips to recover a dry plant
For example, if you have been away for two weeks in the middle of August and have forgotten to leave a irrigation system for plants. When you get home, especially if you were in the sun, the picture will probably be bleak. But don’t give up yet, there are chances to get them back. If you want to know how to revive a dry plantfollow these steps:
- Prune all wilted stems and leaves from the plant. If the dehydration has been severe, this will likely involve some pretty aggressive pruning. Don’t worry about it and move on, as this step is vital for the plant to focus its scarce strength on its healthy parts. A dry plant cannot afford to send nutrients to its withered parts. Remember to always disinfect pruning tools before you start.
- Check that it has not been attacked by any pest that has taken advantage of its condition and carefully remove the surface part of the substrate. A dry substrate cakes, and does not allow the irrigation water to penetrate into it.
- Once the surface layer of soil has been removed, remove the root ball of the plant from its pot or the ground, trying to damage the roots as little as possible in the process.
- When you have it outside, submerge the root ball in warm water for about 10 minutes, so that the plant rehydrates. It is very important that the water is warm and not cold, as it penetrates better into the substrate.
- Leave the root ball in a dish where excess water can drain, and plant it in a new pot with a new substrate.
- Place it in a lighted area, but where it does not receive direct sunlight.
It is very important to note that this recovery method has a good chance of working, but only the first time. A plant that has been exposed to such a critical state partially loses its ability to recover, and it is very difficult for it to survive it again.
Revive a drowned plant – the keys
If you have watered your plant too much, either because it is a species that does not tolerate abundant watering or because it is in a pot without adequate drainage, you are in a situation as dangerous for the plant as not having watered it for a long time. If you are in front of plants with fallen leaves or with dry leaves at the tips and yellowing, it is likely that you have fallen in a excess watering. So for recover a drowned plant follow these steps:
- Pull the root ball out of the plant as carefully as you can. Keep in mind that a drowned plant breaks very easily, so you have to be especially careful with its stems and especially its roots.
- Hit the edges of the pot to loosen the roots on its sides, and carefully pull the plant out.
- Once the root ball has been removed, clean it of soil. Do it very delicately and without wetting it, freeing the roots from the moist soil.
- Once you have them free, wrap them in absorbent paper and let them rest for a full day, changing the paper if it gets soaked.
- After the day, prune any rotten or very brown roots, replant the plant, and don’t water it for a few days.
To avoid future watering problems, both due to lack and excess, we recommend you learn with this practical guide when to water plants.
How to revive a diseased plant: eliminate fungi and pests
Here are some tips and ideas for home remedies for revive diseased plantsdepending on whether they have fungi or insect pests.
How to recover a fungal plant
Recovering a plant attacked by fungi is very difficult, but it is always worth trying. The first thing is to avoid the problem that originally attracted the fungus, such as excess moisture, and then treat the plant itself. To do this: clean its leaves, remove the root ball and also clean its roots. Change the pot and the substrate completely, and take extreme care and caution over your plant.
Here you can find several homemade fungicides that you can use to treat this problem.
How to revive a plant with a pest
With pests it tends to be easier than with fungi, and once the pest has been identified and eliminated from its leaves or stems, such as aphids or mealybugs, the plant will begin to recover immediately. To do this: prune the dry parts, leave it in a lighted area, but without direct sun, and measure the irrigation and fertilizer inputs very well.
You can find insecticide recipes and how to use them in this other EcologíaVerde guide on How to make natural insecticides for plants.
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