Save your plant!

Do you fear that your houseplant is dying and are you afraid that you can no longer save it? Hold off on saying goodbye for a moment and read on. The fact that your plant no longer looks so green and radiant does not mean that the end is near. Many plants are quite strong and resilient and can take a lot. Stay positive: with these tips, there is still hope to save your plant!

The key to saving your plant begins with a good understanding of its needs and proper care. When your plant isn't doing well, it is often due to the care. Every plant has unique requirements that can vary greatly. A Monstera or Swiss cheese plant requires different care than a Strelitzia Nicolai. Take the time to learn more about this and adjust the care if necessary. By providing the right amount of water and the right amount of light, your plant will certainly brighten up!

Read more about the care of your specific plant in our care blogs via this link. 

The most common reason for plants dying? Overwatering. This often happens because the top layer of the potting soil dries out quickly, making it seem as though the plant needs water. With overwatering, the leaves often turn yellow and can even start to rot. To save your plant, you can try the following:

• If your plant is still in the plastic nursery pot, take it out so that the root ball can dry out faster. For example, place it on a tea towel to limit the accumulation of mess.
• If you have already repotted the plant, dig up the root ball and replace the moist substrate. Then wait a while before watering and subsequently water less.
• A handy trick: stick some tampons into the potting soil. These absorb excess water from the soil.

Here are three tips to ensure your plant never gets too much water:

1. Regularly check the moisture of the potting soil by sticking your finger about a centimeter deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. If it is still moist, wait a little longer before watering again.

2. Ensure good drainage in the pot by making sure there are sufficient holes in the bottom. This prevents water from accumulating in the pot and suffocating the roots.

3. Water in moderation and avoid giving large amounts of water at once. It is better to give small amounts of water regularly than large amounts occasionally. This helps prevent the roots from remaining submerged for too long, which can lead to rot.

Has the plant received too little water?
When the leaves become limp, wrinkled, and darker in color, it is important not to give a large amount of water immediately! With overwatering, the roots will no longer absorb the water and can start to rot. It is best to restore your plant gradually: give small amounts of water regularly and slowly build up to the correct level. This way, you give the roots the best chance to rehydrate.

If your plant doesn't seem very happy, it may have had too much or too little light. You can recognize too much light by burnt leaves or leaves with a red tint. In that case, place the plant in a spot with less direct sunlight and give it a small amount of water.

Too little light is harder to recognize by the leaves, but if your plant hasn't grown for weeks, it is probably in too dark a spot! Move it closer to the window to get more light. Note: in winter, it is normal for most plants not to grow, because they are in a dormant phase. This tip is especially relevant for plants that normally grow in the warmer months.

The weather has a significant impact on plants! They generally thrive better in spring and summer, but the increased light intensity and heat can sometimes become too much. During extreme weather conditions, such as a heatwave, it is wise to move your plants. This applies especially to plants that normally stand in a light or sunny spot, as the bright midday sun can cause them to dry out. To save your plants, place them further away from the window.

In winter, on the other hand, it is better to place your plants closer to the window. The light intensity is lower then, so every bit of sunlight is welcome.

Does your plant have many withered leaves or a stem without leaves? These are often situations where you can easily save your plant: stimulate new growth by pruning! By pruning, the plant invests its energy in producing new leaves instead of retaining old ones. You can also prune to rejuvenate a plant if it simply doesn't look good. By pruning the plant short, you give it the chance to sprout beautifully again. An extra tip: first look up how best to prune or propagate specific plants!

If the tips above haven't helped and you have no idea what went wrong, chances are it's not due to your care, but to unwanted animals. You can recognize pests by leaf damage, such as dried spots, curled leaves, or patchy discoloration. If you notice this, take a look at the underside of the leaves to see if you spot any small, round, or elongated bugs moving.

Were you unable to apply our tips in time to save your plants? Sometimes there is simply no other option. Perhaps it was a matter of too much water, the wrong location, or pesky pests. Fortunately, there are plenty of new plants eager to claim a spot in your home.

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