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First things first – grab your plant and gently remove it from its container. Sit it on an old towel to absorb excess moisture.
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Check the container's drainage holes and make sure they are not clogged. If they are, clear them so they are effective when you repot your plant. If your container doesn’t have any draining holes, choose a different one that has – it’s important for the health of your plant. Also give it a clean to get rid of any lingering pests or diseases.
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Check the roots for any signs of rot. Healthy roots are white or light-coloured, while rotten ones are dark and mushy. Trim away any black, mushy, or damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
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Now it's time to create the perfect, well-draining soil mix. Think of it as a day spa for your plant! Mix equal parts of high-quality potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.
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Gently place your now-pruned plant in it's container and surround it with your custom soil blend. Pat it down slightly to provide some stability while still allowing air to flow. Resist the urge to drown it in water again – your plant needs a break from all that moisture!
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If your plant has severely damaged foliage, consider pruning back the affected parts. This can help it to focus its energy on regenerating healthy growth.
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You should also avoid fertilising the plant for a few weeks after repotting.
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Be patient and keep a close eye on your plant's progress. It may take some time for the plant to recover fully, but with proper care, it should gradually show signs of improvement.
How to check if you plant needs water
Now you have successfully rescued your plant – make sure you only water it when it needs it. To check, stick your finger into the soil – about 2cm down - to check for moisture. Only water the plant when the top 2cm of soil feels dry to the touch.
Indoor plants for less than perfect conditions (and gardeners!)
