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A sure way of letting your ego take a knock is to care for a plant that then goes and dies on you. However, all is not lost. Often a plant that looks quite dead still has a bit of life in it and will almost miraculously start growing again with the right care. Here are 20 hacks that will bring your dead plant back to life.
Green Living
20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to Life
April 22, 2019
A sure way of letting your ego take a knock is to care for a plant that then goes and dies on you. However, all is not lost. Often a plant that looks quite dead still has a bit of life in it and will almost miraculously start growing again with the right care. Here are 20 hacks that will bring your dead plant back to life.
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Find Out if the Plant is Actually Dead First
1/20Find Out if the Plant is Actually Dead First
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Just because a plant’s leaves are dried out and papery doesn’t mean the plant is beyond saving. Check the stems and roots for signs of life. They should be pliable and firm and the stems should be greenish on the inside if you’re going to have any hope of reviving the plant. If the stems and roots are mushy and brittle, the plant is dead and can’t be saved. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeFind Out if the Plant is Actually Dead First
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Just because a plant’s leaves are dried out and papery doesn’t mean the plant is beyond saving. Check the stems and roots for signs of life. They should be pliable and firm and the stems should be greenish on the inside if you’re going to have any hope of reviving the plant. If the stems and roots are mushy and brittle, the plant is dead and can’t be saved. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality in Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Trim Back the Dead Parts
2/20Trim Back the Dead Parts
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Can you bring a dying plant back to life? Of course you can! It’s important, though, to get rid of the dead parts so that the plant can use all its energy for the bits that still have life in them. Start by trimming all the dead leaves first. Then do the same to the dead stems, one third at a time, until you see signs of green. New stems can grow from the trimmed ones.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeTrim Back the Dead Parts
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Can you bring a dying plant back to life? Of course you can! It’s important, though, to get rid of the dead parts so that the plant can use all its energy for the bits that still have life in them. Start by trimming all the dead leaves first. Then do the same to the dead stems, one third at a time, until you see signs of green. New stems can grow from the trimmed ones.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Leave Bits of Stem Intact
3/20Leave Bits of Stem Intact
3/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If the stems are completely dead but the plant roots are still alive, don’t trim the dead stems all the way down to the roots. Leave about five centimetres of the stem intact above the soil. When you manage to revive the plant, the new growth will sprout from these stems. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeLeave Bits of Stem Intact
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -If the stems are completely dead but the plant roots are still alive, don’t trim the dead stems all the way down to the roots. Leave about five centimetres of the stem intact above the soil. When you manage to revive the plant, the new growth will sprout from these stems. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Diagnose the Problem
4/20Diagnose the Problem
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
There are several reasons why a plant could be dying, so you need to find out <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/whats-wrong-with-my-plant-1914213/ " rel="noopener" target="_blank">what’s wrong with your plant first</a>. Consider all the possibilities: the amount of water you’ve given it, plant nutrition, pests and diseases, whether it’s been getting the right amount of sunlight and so on.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeDiagnose the Problem
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -There are several reasons why a plant could be dying, so you need to find out <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/whats-wrong-with-my-plant-1914213/ " rel="noopener" target="_blank">what’s wrong with your plant first</a>. Consider all the possibilities: the amount of water you’ve given it, plant nutrition, pests and diseases, whether it’s been getting the right amount of sunlight and so on.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Water a Thirsty Plant
5/20Water a Thirsty Plant
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Clear signs that your plant is thirsty includes brown leaves that are dry around the edges or curled up. The soil around the roots will be completely dry too. If your plant is dying because you didn’t give it enough water, the solution is obvious: water it! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Easy-to-Care-For Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeWater a Thirsty Plant
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Clear signs that your plant is thirsty includes brown leaves that are dry around the edges or curled up. The soil around the roots will be completely dry too. If your plant is dying because you didn’t give it enough water, the solution is obvious: water it! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Easy-to-Care-For Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Move a Thirsty Plant to a Humid Spot
6/20Move a Thirsty Plant to a Humid Spot
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your plant is dried out, watering alone may not be enough to help it recover, especially if you tend to forget about watering it regularly. Move it to a humid spot out of direct sunlight, such as the bathroom. The plant will then absorb moisture through its leaves and spruce up your bathroom at the same time.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeMove a Thirsty Plant to a Humid Spot
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -If your plant is dried out, watering alone may not be enough to help it recover, especially if you tend to forget about watering it regularly. Move it to a humid spot out of direct sunlight, such as the bathroom. The plant will then absorb moisture through its leaves and spruce up your bathroom at the same time.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Filtered Water on Your Plants
7/20Use Filtered Water on Your Plants
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some plants are sensitive to the chemicals commonly found in tap water in Canada, such as chloride and fluoride. Bamboo, for instance, can die from chlorinated water. Instead of using water straight from the tap to water your plants, use filtered water. Alternatively, install a tank to gather rainwater and use this as an alternative.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeUse Filtered Water on Your Plants
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Some plants are sensitive to the chemicals commonly found in tap water in Canada, such as chloride and fluoride. Bamboo, for instance, can die from chlorinated water. Instead of using water straight from the tap to water your plants, use filtered water. Alternatively, install a tank to gather rainwater and use this as an alternative.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Replant an Overwatered Plant
8/20Replant an Overwatered Plant
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
An overwatered plant will look wilted. It may also have dead-looking brown or yellow leaves while the soil around it is moist. If your plant is dying because you’ve given it too much water, the best solution is to replant it in drier soil. Suitable planters can be <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/50-beautiful-backyard-ideas-1050256/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful backyard ideas</a> so the bit of extra work now may not only save your plant but may also give your garden a bit of a makeover.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeReplant an Overwatered Plant
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -An overwatered plant will look wilted. It may also have dead-looking brown or yellow leaves while the soil around it is moist. If your plant is dying because you’ve given it too much water, the best solution is to replant it in drier soil. Suitable planters can be <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/50-beautiful-backyard-ideas-1050256/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">beautiful backyard ideas</a> so the bit of extra work now may not only save your plant but may also give your garden a bit of a makeover.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hold Off on the Fertilizer
9/20Hold Off on the Fertilizer
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
It may be tempting to give your plant a nutrition boost with some fertilizer but don’t do it just yet. When a plant is struggling, fertilizer may damage those tender roots. Wait until the plant has recovered.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeHold Off on the Fertilizer
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -It may be tempting to give your plant a nutrition boost with some fertilizer but don’t do it just yet. When a plant is struggling, fertilizer may damage those tender roots. Wait until the plant has recovered.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Move the Plant to a Sunny Location
10/20Move the Plant to a Sunny Location
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Some plants require lots of light to grow. A plant that hasn’t been receiving enough light will have small, pale leaves and weak stems. Its growth will be stunted too. Sometimes the solution is as simple as opening the drapes and letting the sunlight in. Otherwise, move the plant to a sunny location.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeMove the Plant to a Sunny Location
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Some plants require lots of light to grow. A plant that hasn’t been receiving enough light will have small, pale leaves and weak stems. Its growth will be stunted too. Sometimes the solution is as simple as opening the drapes and letting the sunlight in. Otherwise, move the plant to a sunny location.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Consider the Less Obvious Solutions for Too Little Light
11/20Consider the Less Obvious Solutions for Too Little Light
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your plant hasn’t been getting enough light, there might be solutions that are less obvious. For example, cleaning the windows will allow more light through. You can also add light-coloured gravel around the plant. This will reflect light and ensure that the plant gets enough of it.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeConsider the Less Obvious Solutions for Too Little Light
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -If your plant hasn’t been getting enough light, there might be solutions that are less obvious. For example, cleaning the windows will allow more light through. You can also add light-coloured gravel around the plant. This will reflect light and ensure that the plant gets enough of it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Move a Burned Plant Into the Shade
12/20Move a Burned Plant Into the Shade
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Many plants don't prefer too much sunlight. In fact, there are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/14-indoor-plants-for-low-light-pictures" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive in low light</a>. If your plant has been getting too much sun, it will have dried-out leaves with dark or bleached patches. So how do you revive a plant that gets too much sun? Trim the foliage, move the plant to a shady spot with high humidity and water it well. If you can’t move the plant, consider installing some kind of shade, such as a canopy.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeMove a Burned Plant Into the Shade
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Many plants don't prefer too much sunlight. In fact, there are some <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/houseplants/14-indoor-plants-for-low-light-pictures" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive in low light</a>. If your plant has been getting too much sun, it will have dried-out leaves with dark or bleached patches. So how do you revive a plant that gets too much sun? Trim the foliage, move the plant to a shady spot with high humidity and water it well. If you can’t move the plant, consider installing some kind of shade, such as a canopy.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Protect Frost-Damaged Plants
13/20Protect Frost-Damaged Plants
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your plant seems to be dying after a cold spell, it’s very likely that it has suffered frost damage. Jasmine plants are especially vulnerable to frost that can kill the vines. How do you revive a dying jasmine plant and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-protect-outdoor-plants-and-trees-from-frost-and-freeze-1924336/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">protect your outdoor plants from frost</a>? Cover the plant with a frost blanket until the weather is warmer. It will likely grow again in spring.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeProtect Frost-Damaged Plants
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -If your plant seems to be dying after a cold spell, it’s very likely that it has suffered frost damage. Jasmine plants are especially vulnerable to frost that can kill the vines. How do you revive a dying jasmine plant and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/how-to-protect-outdoor-plants-and-trees-from-frost-and-freeze-1924336/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">protect your outdoor plants from frost</a>? Cover the plant with a frost blanket until the weather is warmer. It will likely grow again in spring.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Feed Your Plant
14/20Feed Your Plant
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
A lack of nutrients is a common cause for plants dying. Signs of nutrient deficiencies include stunted growth, discoloured and malformed leaves and weak or dying stems. Replant the plant in fresh soil that has plant food added to it. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeFeed Your Plant
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -A lack of nutrients is a common cause for plants dying. Signs of nutrient deficiencies include stunted growth, discoloured and malformed leaves and weak or dying stems. Replant the plant in fresh soil that has plant food added to it. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/weird-plant-tips-for-your-home-and-garden-that-work-1917397/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Weird Plant Tips for Your Home and Garden That Actually Work</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get a Bigger Pot
15/20Get a Bigger Pot
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your potted plant is dying, it might be that it has become too big for the pot. Replant it in a bigger one with well-drained, fertile soil. This will allow the roots enough space to grow.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeGet a Bigger Pot
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -If your potted plant is dying, it might be that it has become too big for the pot. Replant it in a bigger one with well-drained, fertile soil. This will allow the roots enough space to grow.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use a Water-Soluble Fertilizer
16/20Use a Water-Soluble Fertilizer
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Too much fertilizer, or the wrong fertilizer, can burn the plant’s roots. However, your plant still needs nutrition to grow. Put some water-soluble fertilizer in a watering can and water your plant with this nutrient-rich solution instead.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeUse a Water-Soluble Fertilizer
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Too much fertilizer, or the wrong fertilizer, can burn the plant’s roots. However, your plant still needs nutrition to grow. Put some water-soluble fertilizer in a watering can and water your plant with this nutrient-rich solution instead.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Fertilizer at the Right Time
17/20Use Fertilizer at the Right Time
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Because too much fertilizer can do more harm than good, you should only fertilize at the right time. Except for those <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will flower in winter</a>, most plants use the colder months to rest. Only fertilize them during the time they’re supposed to grow, which is generally from spring to autumn.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeUse Fertilizer at the Right Time
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Because too much fertilizer can do more harm than good, you should only fertilize at the right time. Except for those <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will flower in winter</a>, most plants use the colder months to rest. Only fertilize them during the time they’re supposed to grow, which is generally from spring to autumn.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get Rid of Pests
18/20Get Rid of Pests
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pests can wreak havoc on your plants and kill them. Shrubs are especially vulnerable because they provide so many places for pests to hide. So how do you revive a dying bush? Check for signs of pests, such as folded or curled-up leaves, abnormal growths, deformed and discoloured leaves, holes in leaves and, of course, bugs that shouldn’t be there. A mild solution of soap in water can get rid of most pests.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeGet Rid of Pests
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Pests can wreak havoc on your plants and kill them. Shrubs are especially vulnerable because they provide so many places for pests to hide. So how do you revive a dying bush? Check for signs of pests, such as folded or curled-up leaves, abnormal growths, deformed and discoloured leaves, holes in leaves and, of course, bugs that shouldn’t be there. A mild solution of soap in water can get rid of most pests.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Don’t Attract Bad Bugs
19/20Don’t Attract Bad Bugs
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You might be doing one of several <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house and yard</a>, from leaving dirty pet food bowls lying around to having an unkempt garden. If your plant seems to be having a pest problem, find out how the pests got there in the first place and do what’s necessary to prevent them coming back.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeDon’t Attract Bad Bugs
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -You might be doing one of several <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/20-things-that-attract-bad-bugs-into-your-house-and-yard-1903104/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">things that attract bad bugs into your house and yard</a>, from leaving dirty pet food bowls lying around to having an unkempt garden. If your plant seems to be having a pest problem, find out how the pests got there in the first place and do what’s necessary to prevent them coming back.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get Rid of Diseases
20/20Get Rid of Diseases
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Plants are susceptible to a number of diseases, each with its own causes, symptoms and treatment. If you suspect that your plant has fallen prey to some disease like powdery mildew, root rot of leaf spot, ask a gardening expert to help you identify it and learn how to treat it. It’s also important to isolate the plant from your other plants so that the disease doesn’t spread.Green Living20 Hacks That Will Bring Your Dead (or Dying) Plant Back to LifeGet Rid of Diseases
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Plants are susceptible to a number of diseases, each with its own causes, symptoms and treatment. If you suspect that your plant has fallen prey to some disease like powdery mildew, root rot of leaf spot, ask a gardening expert to help you identify it and learn how to treat it. It’s also important to isolate the plant from your other plants so that the disease doesn’t spread.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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