Any plant we adopt is our responsibility to look after. We need to care for it and give it the right conditions to grow. But, we need to accept that they may be a little tricky to maintain. Despite our best efforts, they might show signs that they are dying. Don’t worry though, even if it seems your plant is on its last legs, you can still revive it. As long as there is green on the stem and the roots look plump and have a white to tan colour with white tips, you can save the plant. Here are some signs of a dying plant along with how to recover it back to health. 

1. Overwatered plants

Water is necessary for a plant to survive but it’s possible to overwater it. Overwatering may cause root rot from lack of oxygen to the roots, turning them brownish-black and mushy. A plant may show signs of dying when it is wilting or the leaves are yellow and falling off. 

If your plant is afflicted with root rot, remove it from the soil and try to wash the roots until clean. The diseased tissue needs to be removed from the roots so cut the part which is damaged. Clean and disinfect a pot and repot the plant in it with fresh soil.

Another method to save an overwatered plant is to keep it out of direct sunlight and water gently until the plant recovers. Also, avoid adding fertilizers to the soil or plant food until it has healed completely. When the plant leaves have fully turned green and the soil is neither soaked nor hard, you’ll know that it is healthy again.

2. Under watered plants

If the soil feels too dry the leaves seem brittle, your plant may be suffering from dehydration. Water the plant but until the soil is damped, but ensure that you don’t flood it. You may next immerse it in a shallow bowl of water for a time frame of ten minutes. Soon, your plants will be lush by using this method. 

3. Starvation

If a plant has its leaves turning yellow but they aren’t falling off, your plant may be hungry and not receiving enough nutrients. Add appropriate fertilizer regularly to the plant to keep it healthy. Also, try to repot your plants with fresh soil at least once a year.

There are several other reasons your plant may be showing signs of dying such as lack of sunlight and pest infestation. To avoid this, make sure your plant is getting adequate sunlight and isolate an infected plant from the others in sight. Plants might also have affect by shock from temperature changes if you suddenly move them to a new spot. So, always keep returning the plants to their original location for a few hours before you make the complete transition.

Other tips to prevent plant decay is to keep removing leaves brown in colour and transplant them into a bigger pot when the plant feels like it is cramping. With a little effort, even the most shriveled up and the wilting plant can come back to life.