15+ Ways to Save a “Dead” Plant Even If You Don’t Have a Good Hand at It

Some people have special attachments to their houseplants, just like Léon and Mathilda from the movie The professional, by Luc Besson. And it is very disappointing to find our “green friends” taking their last breath, with their leaves helpless, withered or withered. But the good news is that you shouldn’t rush into prematurely regretting that your plant has died, as there are a few ways to make it revive and bloom again in all its splendor.

At the awesome.club We like to look for tips that help our readers solve even the most desperate situations. That’s why we invite you to learn about several tricks on how to recover your green treasures.

If your plant appears to be being smothered, it could be that you chose the pot for beauty rather than practicality, placing it in the wrong type of container. Your plant doesn’t really care if the “vase” matches the patterns on your curtains. In fact, it needs a healthy environment to grow and flourish. Therefore, if it is in a metal or decorative vase, without holes to drain the water, you need to “free it from this captivity”. Metal pots keep the heat inside, making your poor plant’s roots literally “cook”. Ceramic pots with a single drainage hole or no drainage holes will cause water to stay in the soil, creating harmful moisture around the roots.

When the plant looks similar to the image on the left, it’s time to place it in a larger pot, giving it more space. Before doing this, clean the roots and wring them out so that they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. Do this carefully, as if you were unwinding a fragile rope, so as not to break the roots, giving them more room to breathe.

Tap water has some levels of chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful to your plant. Let the water stand for 24 hours before watering the plant. Distilled water or rainwater is also good, experts say, as both are slightly acidic and naturally wash away all the chemicals and salts that have built up in the soil from frequent use of tap water. You can collect rainwater in a reservoir or place the plants outside to absorb some of the moisture while it rains.

4. Use organic pots to create a more natural environment for the plant to grow

You can try transplanting your plants into pots made from coconut husks. This type of container is not only a great organic pot, capable of allowing good drainage and preventing the roots from rotting, it also naturally provides zinc, copper and iron to a plant that is too weak to receive artificial fertilizers.

Remove any dead or “unattractive” parts of the plant. This includes yellow, brown and wilted leaves, which cannot be saved, in addition to leafless stems. Cut the dead stem at a 45 degree angle, leaving as much foliage as possible.

While it may seem that fertilizer can work wonders, this data is partially true. What really matters is the proper amount and application, especially on your weak and lifeless plants. The “more is better” approach will actually kill your poor plant. To fertilize it, you will need to prepare a mixture of one teaspoon of fertilizer to one liter of water — this ratio, considered universal, is not harmful to houseplants.

If your plant is still in the original pot you bought it in, it’s a good idea to check the bottom for pieces of plastic, as they damage the roots and could be the main reason your plant is dying. You will either need to remove them from the pot or replace them completely with another one.

Use a sponge or cotton swab dipped in soapy water or rubbing alcohol to gently remove pests from your plant. If you use a special soap for insects and pests, you will need to repeat the procedure a few times, as it loses its effect when it dries.

To keep hungry insects away from your precious green friends, you need to say “no” to using common land. Buy a soil mixture from the supermarket, as it is sterile and will not be contaminated by unwanted invaders. Since your plant is very weak, you also need to ensure a good drainage system, as this prevents the roots from rotting. Consequently, the plant will have a greater resistance to insect invasion.

Just as they are bad for humans, fungi can be harmful to the health of your plants. If the plant has rot spots on the stem or near the roots, it’s time to declare war on these unwelcome “guests”. You can use fungicide or apply a special horticultural oil. Thus, you will not contaminate your plant with chemicals that can kill it, using only products that will directly attack insects and fungi.

After a long time indoors, your plants deserve a real spa day. Dry air and unnatural ventilation in your apartment can be harmful to plants. To make them revive, you will need to put them in other conditions, in addition to doing a good cleaning and soaking. Place the plants in a bathtub and wash them carefully with the shower water, paying close attention to both sides of the leaves. This way, you will eliminate any remaining pests from the leaves and allow the water to wash away harmful substances that have built up in the soil.

If your plant’s roots are prone to rotting, the best way to maintain moisture balance is by using hydrogel (which can be purchased at garden stores). You can also use the inside of a baby diaper — just mix the contents of the diaper with water until you get a gel-like texture. Add the mixture to your plant’s soil, creating a perfect drainage system. With this method, you no longer have to worry about the risk of the roots rotting.

Lactic acid bacteria can provide good nutrition for plants. They naturally attack diseases and also help keep the soil in optimal condition for your plant to develop in a healthy way. You can “feed” your plant a few teaspoons of yogurt, adding it to the soil to enrich the soil with organic acids and help your green friend regain her vigor.

You’ve probably noticed how quickly aquatic plants grow in the aquarium. This is because they are constantly “fed” by organic and natural substances resulting from fish activity. As long as your tank isn’t filled with salt water, you can use aquarium water to irrigate your plants and enrich the soil so they can naturally regain their vitality.

16. Use a plastic bag to create a home greenhouse for your plant

You can create a miniature greenhouse for your plant by placing the pot inside a clean plastic bag and providing it with some soft or artificial indirect light. Water the plant first and let the water drain well. The plastic will allow it to absorb the water that evaporates and you can be sure that regardless of whether you are busy with other things on certain days of the month, your plant will not dry out again. This method also helps the plant survive in conditions such as dry air or when the heater is on. After all, moisture is essential for the plant.

What are your tips for restoring plant health? We would like you to share with our team your experiences and tricks to make them relive.