Gardening can be intimidating for newbies – a daunting list of rules and regs and unpronounceable Latin names to memorise before you even get near a plant. Yet when it comes to the world of houseplants, it is almost always too much care, rather than too little, that is the problem. In fact, overwatering, particularly in the winter months and especially from eager beginners, is famously the number one killer of indoor plants.
Starved of the oxygen they need to survive, root cells begin to rot and die. Bacterial and fungal infections spread quickly, creating a telltale smell along with yellowing, wilted leaves. Paradoxically, the inability of dead or dying roots to provide the leaves with enough water causes them to look virtually identical to a plant facing drought stress, often causing people to water already waterlogged plants even more. If this has happened to you, don’t panic. Here are some simple tips for bringing overwatered houseplants back from the brink.
First, remove the plant from its pot to get a good look at its roots. If they are mushy and brown instead of firm and white, and in sopping wet compost that falls away and smells of decay then remove as much of these as possible. Retain only roots that are firm and healthy, snipping off any yellowing or dying leaves while you are at it. If you end up removing a large amount of root material also snip off a similar proportion of the top growth. The plant won’t be able to draw up enough water to support these extra leaves with a compromised root system. Doing so may seem extreme, but will put less strain on an already sick plant.
Now give the patient plant a good rinse and pot it up in a new container with fresh growing mix. The original pot can be used as long as it is thoroughly scrubbed with detergent and hot water to remove traces of the infected compost. Water the plant in well with cold camomile tea and place it in a brightly lit spot but away from direct sunshine for it to recover. After this, water only very sparingly as the potting mix begins to dry out.
Why camomile tea? Well, it contains a dilute solution of natural antifungal and antibacterial chemicals produced by camomile plants to tackle bacterial and fungal infections. It is also a lot cheaper than commercial preparations and probably already sitting in your kitchen cupboard. If you don’t have any, powdered cinnamon (which has similar antimicrobial properties) sprinkled on to the roots and soil surface just before watering is traditionally used in Asia for the same purpose. Good luck!
Email James at james.wong@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @Botanygeek
As a seasoned horticulturist with a passion for plant care, my expertise in gardening is backed by years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of botany. I've successfully cultivated a diverse range of plants, from ornamentals to edibles, and have encountered and addressed various challenges that gardeners commonly face.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about reviving overwatered houseplants.
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Overwatering Issues: The article highlights the common problem of overwatering, especially among inexperienced gardeners. Overwatering, particularly in winter, can lead to oxygen deprivation for the plant's roots, causing root rot and creating favorable conditions for bacterial and fungal infections. This is a critical issue that often goes unnoticed until symptoms like yellowing and wilting leaves become apparent.
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Root Examination: The article recommends a crucial step in reviving overwatered plants—removing them from their pots to inspect the roots. Mushy, brown roots in waterlogged soil indicate a problem. Healthy roots should be firm and white. The process involves trimming away damaged roots and any yellowing or dying leaves.
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Top Growth Adjustment: If a significant amount of root material is removed, the article suggests proportionally trimming the top growth of the plant. This might seem drastic, but it's a strategic measure to alleviate stress on the compromised root system, ensuring the plant can efficiently draw up water to support its foliage.
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Repotting and Fresh Growing Mix: After root inspection and pruning, the article advises repotting the plant in a new container with fresh growing mix. This step is essential for providing the plant with a healthier environment, free from the issues caused by waterlogged and decaying compost.
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Use of Chamomile Tea: An interesting recommendation is to water the repotted plant with cold chamomile tea. Chamomile tea contains natural antifungal and antibacterial chemicals produced by chamomile plants. These properties can aid in combating bacterial and fungal infections that may have affected the plant's roots.
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Alternative Antimicrobial Measures: In case chamomile tea is not available, the article suggests using powdered cinnamon, which shares similar antimicrobial properties. Sprinkling powdered cinnamon on the roots and soil surface just before watering can serve the same purpose of protecting the plant from further infections.
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Care and Recovery: The article emphasizes placing the treated plant in a brightly lit spot, avoiding direct sunlight during the recovery period. Additionally, it advises watering sparingly as the new potting mix begins to dry out, preventing a recurrence of overwatering.
By following these expert tips, gardeners can successfully revive overwatered houseplants and promote their overall health and vitality.
