Updated October 16, 2021 by admin
While it’s true that there are some indoor plants that are pretty low-maintenance, others are much more complicated than you might realize. Some studies have revealed that they can help soothe your allergies, and might even be able to feel pain. One thing is for sure- if you don’t take proper care of them, they will die.
So, how do you save dying plants indoors? How you save a dying plant depends on the reason why it’s dying. Over- or Under-watering could be the issue, adjust how often and how much you water. They might be getting too much or too little light- change their lighting. If there are pests invading your plants, remove them.
In this article, we will explore several reasons why your plants might be dying and what you can do to remedy the issue.
Too Much Or Too Little Water
There is a delicate balance when it comes to watering your plants. You don’t want to give it too much, but you don’t want to give it too little either.
Overwatering leads to root rot, which causes your plants to suffocate and develop fungus in the soil. You can tell you’re overwatering your plant if the leaves start turning yellow and looking droopy. The best thing to do is wait for the top soil is dry before watering again.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is underwatering and neglect. If you’re not watering your plants enough, they will start to wilt and look droopy and unsightly. Of course, there are plants that are very low maintenance, but you don’t want to completely neglect them- they still need a little TLC from time to time.
A good rule of thumb is to poke your finger into the soil about an inch or two to determine how much moisture is in the soil. If you can’t remember to water, get a moisture meter and an automatic watering can. This way, you can’t give it too much or too little water.
Poor Drainage
If the pot/planter is not draining properly, it can cause water to accumulate- resulting in root rot. It might help to place some gravel at the bottom of a container that doesn’t have drainage holes.
It’s best to check the pot/planter before you put your plant in it to make sure it does have proper drainage holes. If it doesn’t have drainage holes, be very accurate with your watering.
Too Much Or Not Enough Light
One of the most common reasons for indoor plants to die is that they’re not getting enough light. They need more light to thrive and when they don’t get enough, will become lanky and eventually die.
That being said, you have some plants that prefer low light and will die if you expose them to direct sunlight. They will turn pale and get scorched.
A good rule of thumb is to do some research when you get a new plant so that you understand how to properly care for it. There are several houseplants that are easy to grow and will do well with little exposure to light.
Not Fertilizing Properly
If you’re not adding fertilizer to your plants, you end up with weak plants that have stunted growth and pale leaves. Since they are in pots inside, they don’t get the nutrients they would if they were planted outside in the soil, so adding fertilizer is critical to ensure they remain healthy.
Of course, another problem that people have is that they are fertilizing too much. You can tell you have over-fertilized your plants if the lower leaves are yellowing or wilting, the tips of the leaves are brown, defoliation, or the fertilizer is crusting on the surface of the soil.
Make sure you read the directions on the fertilizer to make sure you’re doing it properly so that you don’t put too much on your plants. If you end up adding too much, you can add lots of water to the soil for a couple of days to wash it away.
Don’t Underestimate Pests
Some of the most common pests for household plants are aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites. These will cause the plant to become unhealthy. The good news is, an infestation doesn’t typically happen indoors- but it is something to look out for.
When you get a new plant, make sure you check it over for insects before you buy it and keep a close eye on your plants at home to stop an infestation before it starts. If the pests are just starting to appear, you may be able to simply remove them by hand. If you prefer, you can spray the plants with a non-toxic (to the plants) insecticide or prune out the part of the plant that is affected.
Reusing Old Potting Soil
When you put your beloved plant into the pot, did you get new soil or did you reuse the old soil from the last plant? If you used the old soil, you’ll need to repot it with fresh soil because, over time, the nutrients in the soil will wash away.
Of course, if the soil is not hard and compacted, there’s a chance it can be reconditioned and used again. You must make sure that you know what you are doing though!
Exposed To Extreme Temps
You must make sure that the temperature in the area where your plants are doesn’t drop below 50°, as it can damage- and even kill- them. On the other hand, you don’t want your plants to get too hot either.
Additionally, you’ll want to keep them away from the vents in your home, as hot or cold drafts can be detrimental to them. You’ll want to also keep them away from the windows because the sunlight in the summer can burn them and if the leaves touch the windows in the winter, it can freeze them.
Not Sure What You’re Doing
The final reason that your plants are dying is because you simply are not sure exactly what you’re doing. You just know you wanted some beauty in your home, but you don’t know the basic requirements of the plants you chose. Therefore, you must make sure that you are taking the time to do the research on your houseplants before you buy them. You can find anything you want online- so you have no excuse for not researching.
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