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Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant

Even without having a green thumb...

By: THURSD. | 06-04-2024 | 5 min read
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If a plant is really, truly a goner, you’ll better hope for some magic to help. Appearances can be deceiving, so even if a plant looks dead, it doesn't mean that it is. But many plants that look dead can be resuscitated when you act fast and effectively. But what are the things you can do to revive your dying green friend?

Plant Resuscitation

Here’s a shortlist of things you can try to revive dead plants.

Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - skull and plants - on thursd

1. Find Out if the Plant Is Actually Dead, First

How? Easy, look for signs of life. Just because your plant looks dried out doesn't mean your plant is beyond saving. Check stems and roots for signs of life. The leaves should be flexible and firm and the roots should be greenish on the inside. If your plant has turned brown and lost some leaves, don’t give up on it just yet. There is hope that you can revive a dead plant if the plant still has a few green leaves and flexible stems. Buds are a good sign too. If so, then you can start hoping on reviving your plant. Finding soft and brittle stems and roots in your plants' pot? Then it looks like your plant is beyond saving. Then you might want to check the following article for some inspiration and choose one of the best healthy house plants. Looking for continuously personalized tips for your houseplant? Join one of these Facebook groups for plant lovers. Having eliminated the plant assassins amongst us, let's continue with the next reviving hacks. Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - monstera - on thursd

2. Prune Away Dead Foliage

At this stage, it's important to get rid of the dead parts. The plant can then use all its energy for the parts that are still alive and kicking. Start by trimming all the dead parts first. Do the same with the stems, one bit at a time, until you see signs of green. If the stems are completely dead but the roots are still intact, leave bits - about 5 cm - of stem intact above the soil. When your plant revives, the new stems will sprout from these old stems.

3. Diagnose the Problem

There are several reasons why your plant is dying, so you need to find the reason first. Consider all the possibilities and keep the following in mind: yellowing, hanging leaves can indicate too much water. Dry and brown leaves and stems may mean too little water. Scorched or transparent leaves? Too much or too little sun. Deformed or nibbled leaves signal pests or diseases. Let's walk through all these reasons for your dying plant below, to help you find the right plant resuscitation tools.

Thirsty Plant Or Soggy Soil?

A thirsty plant is a sad plant. A plant's pot is its home, so first, start digging around in the soil for evidence of dehydration. If the soil is dry compact and cracked, inadequate water is probably the issue. This kind of damage can be corrected quickly if you catch it in time. It’s easy to rehydrate dry plants. Pour water into the plant's pot until it runs freely from the drainage holes in the bottom. After that, hose or spray down all remaining stems and foliage. Plants intake water through their leaves as well as their roots. Let soggy soil dry out. If the container soil is wet to the touch even though you haven’t watered in a while, the plant is suffering from excess water caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. Check the pot’s drain holes. If your pot’s drainage is inadequate, it’s time to transplant. Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - water a plant - on thursd

Provide Humidity

If you tend to forget about watering your plant regularly, watering alone might not help recover your plant. By moving it to a humid spot, out of direct sunlight, the plant will absorb moisture through its leaves.

Adjust the Sun Exposure

Some plants acquire lots of light to grow. some need direct sun, some indirect sun, and some shade. pale leaves and weak stems are the results of a plant that hasn't seen enough sunlight. its growth will be stunted. Move the plant into an appropriate location if it requires more sunlight. Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - sunlight plant - on thursd

Hold Off To the Fertilizer

It may be tempting to boost your plant with fertilizer while you're at it rescuing your fading green friend. But while the plant is struggling, the fertilizer may damage the tender roots. Wait a bit until the plant has recovered.

Get A Bigger Pot

If your potted plant is dying, you might want to consider giving its roots some more space. Well-drained and fertile soil in a bigger pot will do magic for your plant and allows it to grow. Gently remove the plant from its container. If you see more roots than soil, or roots coiling around the inside of the pot, it is time for a bigger container. Over time, most plants outgrow their pots. Sometimes, all it takes to revive a dying plant is a little repotting. Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - repot - on thursd

Get Rid Of Pests Or Diseases

Check for signs of pests such as abnormal growth, curled-up, or discolored leaves with holes in them. And check for any bugs that shouldn't be living in your green plant. Mix a mild solution of soap with water to get rid of most pests. However, if you suspect that your plant has fell prey to disease, ask a plant expert to identify it and learn how to treat it. Diseases can range from powdery mildew, root rot, or leaf spot. In both cases, make sure to isolate the plant from your other plants so that the pest or disease doesn't spread. Hacks to Revive a Dead Plant - happy plant person - on thursd

It Never Hurts Your Plant To Try

Plant resuscitation is not always successful, especially if it has gone too far. However, it doesn't mean that plants that look dead can't get new life. It never hurts to at least try.. You might just have what it takes to bring dead plants back to life before it's too late!

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