How to save a dying houseplant

If your beloved indoor plant looks like it’s on its last legs, try some of these tips to revive it.

Repot and give it a haircut!

If your plant is looking a bit sad, whatever nutrients had been in your potting mix may have been exhausted. At the same time the plant’s roots will have kept growing and are now probably too big for their pot.  

Remove the plant from its pot, shake away remaining potting mix from the roots and give them a trim. Use a high-quality indoor plant potting mix and choose a pot that’s larger than the last one.  

Also trim back the plant’s foliage. This means the roots won’t have to work so hard to support lots of greenery, while they are recovering.  

Move it, move it!

If your plant’s leaves are dry and brittle with light or dark patches, it may be getting too much sun. It will wilt, the foliage will curl downwards, and growth will become distorted.

Alternatively, if your plant isn't getting enough light, the leaves will be small and pale. If it’s supposed to flower, it may not. It may also collapse, as without enough light, the roots stay soggy then rot.

Water your plant (obviously!)

Just as we do, plants need water! When your plant is thirsty, the leaves wilt, leaf growth slows, lower leaves curl, lose colour or drop, leaf edges turn brown and dry, and any flowers fade and fall.  

Don’t go mad and drown it though; water your plant until the soil feels damp and then immerse it in a shallow bowl of water for 10 minutes. Let it drain and then put it back in its favourite spot.

Don’t overwater!

If you’ve been killing your plant friends with kindness, the roots will start to rot, and mould can grow. Research your specific plant to find out how much water it needs and water accordingly. Some plants are water guzzlers and some just like a sip now and again.  

Keep it clean

If your plant is being invaded by insects or is covered in dirt or dust, give the leaves a wipe with a damp cloth, or a mild soap solution. Anything that covers leaves slows down photosynthesis, which is how plants convert sunlight into energy for them to thrive.

Enjoy your newly revived houseplant

Indoor plants are great. They can make us feel relaxed, contribute to a healthy environment, and love it when we talk to them! They do so much for us, the least we can do is to try to keep them alive!