How to save a dying plant

This is something that happened to me, like, a lot, in the past. Here is just one little example:

Last summer I walked past my Monstera (that I grew from teeny baby plant into a big luscious thing for over four years!), only to be met with yellowing leaves, a browning stem, or an overall HELP ME signs. Cue horrified face emoji.

I rushed to rescue (of course!) and poured a jug of water over her, only to find out later that it’s gone from bad to worse... So, I took her outside (it was one of those rare scorching hot day here in the UK) to 'soak up the sun' and... I might as well put her in open fire. My beautiful Monstera leaves got BURNT by the end of that day!

Terrible plant parenting, I know. That guilty feeling haunts me to this day.

Yes, reviving houseplants is entirely possible, and no, it doesn’t always require a lot of water or direct sunlight...

So, I created this simple 5-Step checklist for myself ( that I wish someone did for me before taking my sweet gorgeous Cheese Plot outside) and I thought I'd share it with you too!

PLANT PARENT REHAB FIVE STEP CHECKLIST:

Like with anything, before you can fix the problem, you need to identify it (by the way, you can read my comprehensive ‘Top 10 mistakes and Fixes’ Post as well.

Step 1

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and check for root rot. You'll see soggy, mushy, brown roots. If that's the case, trim away any affected roots and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

If the soil is bone dry and roots aren't showing any signs of rot, give your plant a good soak by letting it sit in a sink or basin of water for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Carefully turn over your plant leaves, and check the stems for any sign of pests. Take your time doing this step. If you identify any pesky living creatures on your plant, you'll need to treat your baby immediately.

To clean your plant, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or even just a gentle dish soap solution. Avoid soaps with degreasers, they can damage the leaf cuticle.

It's worth testing on a smaller area first. Best time to spray your plant is in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler so the plant stays wet longer.

After you've cleaned the whole plant, don't forget to rinse all the soap off the plant with non-soapy water.

You may need to repeat applications every 4–7 days until the pests are completely gone. For the whole time you're treating your plant, keep it well away from your other plant babies to stop the spread. Does the word quarantine bring those lockdown flashbacks, anyone?

When moving your plant, consider the light for its new location - you don't want to create more problems (like I did with my Monstera!)

Step 3

Assess the location your plant. Check your sick plant against this list now, is it located in the correct spot in your house?

If your poorly baby is in the incorrect location, move your plant to a brighter or slightly shadier location, but avoid sudden drastic changes

SUN LOVING PLANTS	SHADE LOVING PLANTS
Snake Plant	Peace Lily
ZZ Plant	Cast Iron Plant
Haworthia	Chinese Evergreen
Jade Plant	Pothos
Aloe Vera	Philodendron
Croton	Snake Plant
Hibiscus	ZZ Plant
Ponytail Palm	Prayer Plant
Bird of Paradise	Spider Plant
Jasmine	Calathea

Step 4

When was the last time you fed your plant extra food? Could it be nutrient deficient? If it's been a while, then buy a fertiliser and give your plant a bit of extra dinner. Choose the right fertiliser for your specific plant: it can come in liquid, granular, or slow-release versions.

Warning: Do follow fertiliser instructions to a T! Over-fertilising can be just as harmful as under-fertilising.

I am speaking from experience here, as I once killed a beautiful new tree by throwing tons of undiluted chicken compost under it when planting!…

Step 5

Check for the signs that it's time to repot your houseplant. In general, you should repot your houseplants every year to 18 months, but the exact timing depends on how quickly your plant grows. Some signs that your plant might need repotting include roots circling the bottom of the pot, roots growing out of drainage holes, stunted growth. Or soil that has salty crust on top. Or your plant is top heave and falls over, especially when it's dry.

The best time to repot is in late winter or early spring, just before the plant's new growing season. This gives her time to adjust to the new soil and spread out in its larger pot. If your plant is in poor condition in the fall or winter, you can repot it as soon as possible to give it nutrients and help it survive.

When choosing a new pot, it's usually best to pick one that's 1–2 inches (3-5cm) larger in diameter than the current pot.

If you want to repot a rootbound plant back into the same pot, you can try root pruning so it doesn't grow much larger.

That's it! Hope you liked my five step guide, my friends!

Remember: reviving a houseplant does take a while. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT expect an overnight miracle (like I once did).

Continue to monitor your plant's progress and gently adjust your care routine as needed.

Oh and one bit of last advice from me:

Talk to your plants! Okay, maybe not literally (actually I do talk to mine..), but paying close attention to their needs will definitely help you become a better plant parent. BE PATIENT, my friend.

I know waiting is hard.

But you and I can do it.

From Wilted to Wonderful: Five Step Guide to Reviving Sick Houseplants