One of the
key points for the survival of a plant lies in the amount and frequency of watering. Finding that middle ground, that perfect balance that responds to the needs of the plant and environmental factors is often one of the most delicate and difficult aspects for those who are starting out in this wonderful world of plants. We all go through that rite of passage of watering so little or so much that the plant ends up on the other plane of existence.
It is also typical that, as
soon as we see that the poor plant is on the verge of death for reasons related to irrigation, we decide to throw it in the trash and the truth is that there is a possibility of saving it. While it's easier to rescue a plant due to lack of watering, it's possible to recover an overwatered plant if you follow our advice.
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How do you know if you've overwatered?
There are ways to detect if you have gone too far with the watering can without waiting for the plant to be on its last legs, and when it comes to recovering a plant with excess water, time is a key factor, because if you wait too long the consequences will be devastating. Open your eyes and pay attention to the following signs:
-Your plant doesn't grow. There are no new shoots, rather it seems to be thinner or sicker.
- The plant looks weak, sick, not upright and pretty. It looks wilted, but the substrate is moist.
- The leaves turn yellow. But also pay attention to the texture, as the lack of watering also alters the color of the leaves but makes them dry and crunchy. When it comes to overwatering, the leaf is rather swollen, pale yellow, and soft.
- The lower leaves are the first to be affected, changing color to yellow and looking droopy.
- The stem starts to taper from the base, thinning, almost as if you want to cut off the top of the plant.
- Loss of leaves and flowers. Too much water affects the plant's growth processes, so the flowers will start to fall.
- You see shallow roots, almost sticking out of the substrate, trying to escape the excess water.
- The leaves and/or fruits look full of small blisters or strange warts. This is known as edema and occurs because the plant has so much water that it seeks to get rid of it by any means.
- Presence of flies or mosquitoes. This happens because puddles form in the substrate, which makes it the perfect home for the larvae of these critters.
- Touch the substrate. It will feel wet, waterlogged, very compact almost like mud. Occasionally, the top may look greenish. Don't limit yourself to the top, check the deepest part of the pot or substrate very well. You can use a wooden toothpick or dig a little with a shovel.
You may find that the symptoms of an overwatered plant are too similar to those of a plant that lacks watering. And it is precisely this detail that makes many people water again, believing that this way they will be able to recover the plant. The cause of this is not accidental, since both the excess and the lack of water bring more or less the same consequence: the lack of oxygen and nutrients.
In the case of a dry plant, this occurs due to a lack of water, but with excessive watering, the substrate becomes waterlogged, compacting it. This prevents the proper exchange of gases at the root level, it does not let it breathe; In addition, because they are drowned, the roots are not able to properly absorb nutrients; which are also not in the right concentrations in the substrate because they are washed away by excessive watering, so it ends up suffocating and dies.
Root asphyxia is not the only negative consequence of overwatering, but this exaggerated humidity also makes the plant the ideal environment for the growth and development of fungi, which will spread through the roots of the plant and lead to certain death. This is why it is essential to make a proper diagnosis, for which you must know the needs of the plant and its habits, in addition to carefully observing your plant in search of the telltale symptoms that we have already described.
It
ismuch easier to recover a plant that has been left to dry out than one that has been overwatered, because overwatering causes damage that becomes visible when it is too late. Remember: the secret to the success of these tips lies in the early detection of the plant that has been overwatered. Don't be discouraged and we're going to try to get it back.
- Avoid exposing it to the sun
I know that the first impulse when you see the plant and the substrate waterlogged is to put it in full sun, so that it dries out the soil, but this is harmful and will end up killing your plant. The problem is that the plant, its stems and leaves, have not been able to absorb moisture, nutrients or oxygen properly due to the excess water. For this reason they are weaker than usual and vulnerable, if you leave them in full sun they will dry out faster and die. Place it in semi-shade or indoors in a well-lit place.
- Remove the plant from the pot
If you need to remove the plant from that pot, try to loosen the substrate by gently tapping the sides of the pot into the soil. Flip while holding the top of the plant with the palm of your hand, so that gravity takes effect. The goal is to remove it without harming the vulnerable roots.
- Remove the waterlogged substrate
There are those who leave the plant in a safe place with everything and substrate to dry for a few hours or overnight. This seems risky to me, so I prefer to remove the wet substrate. I do this carefully, I place the plant with the root ball on a newspaper or planting blanket and delicately remove the soil from the roots with my hands. This is done in a shady spot, to prevent the sun from damaging the roots. This substrate can be left to dry, as long as there are no fungus. For safety's sake, it's best to dispose of it.
- Check the roots
It's time to put on your glasses and take a closer look at the state of the roots. The color should be white, they should look strong, more or less thick and with a uniform thickness. If you see that they are black or dark, that they have thinned, have a rotten smell or if you touch them and they fall apart like paper left in water, it may be too late. If most of the roots or taproot look healthy and the others are dark and weak, trim them back and leave only the white ones. Don't worry, the roots can grow back.
- Apply some fungicide
You may find that the roots look healthy and beautiful, but fungi are silent enemies in their early stages. Don't trust this or leave this to chance: apply a little bit of fungicide preventively. You can apply it directly to the roots so that you can eliminate these pesky visitors, in case they are present. This is also a way to prevent other types of attacks and will strengthen the plant, which needs a little help to start over.
- Transplant to a new home
Just like a person suffering in a toxic place, your plant needs to start a new life, away from that environment that was harming it. You can reuse the pot I had, but please wash very well with a little bleach to kill any fungus you might have, remember to rinse thoroughly. Then check drainage holes, lay down a layer of gravel and fill with new substrate, suitable for the species. Your plant will appreciate that switch to an airy, loose, nutrient-dense substrate. Do not fertilize the plant, this is not the time because it is sensitive and the fertilizer can burn the roots.
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- Wait to be able to water
It's better to let your new plant dry out a little bit rather than drown it again. Wait a few days, check that the topsoil is dry, and water properly. If you see that it is a little dehydrated, you can spray a little. Remember not to expose your plant to the sun until you see it recovered, with new shoots. This will be the indication that the worst is over and you can continue with the fertilizer cycle, as usual.
Don't Repeat the Mistakes: What to Do to Avoid Drowning
Your Plants- Know Your Plants
You never have too much knowledge. Read, research, and ask anything you need about your plant's species. If you're not very adept at reading and stuff, you can always make use of the quick guide that we give you with each plant. At Be Green we take care of making things simple for you, so we provide you with a guide with the irrigation requirements of the species. There are plants that you should let dry out between waterings, while others prefer to have the substrate with a certain level of humidity and if you let them dry, they can be affected.
- Adjust watering patterns
Let's say you've read that this species of plant should be watered 2 times a week, but this is not a universal truth, as these parameters must be adjusted to environmental factors and the season. If you are in a very hot place, if the plant gets direct sun or if it is summer, you will most likely have to water more than recommended, but if the weather is cool or winter, you should water less. Don't be overconfident, check your plant before watering.
- Get your hands dirty
The best way to tell if your plant needs water is to touch the substrate. You can use your fingers, touch the first few inches of the soil. If it's too dry, it's time to water. I prefer to use a wooden stick (disposable wooden sushi chopsticks go very well), I dig it deep into the soil. If it comes out with substrate attached, I wait a little to water, if it comes out clean I go for the watering can.
- Trust technology
If getting your hands dirty and you forget how to water each species, you can always take advantage of technology. You can get a humidity detector. These devices are wonderful: you just stick it into the substrate and let it measure, it will tell you if it needs water or not. They are infallible.
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Use self-watering systems
A self-watering system can be useful not only for people who travel or are distracted, but it can help you maintain an adequate level of watering, as the plant will take what it needs on its own and you only have to take care of keeping it full. This is handy for pots and plants that require consistent humidity levels, so it's tricky to find that balance.
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- Check the drainage of the plants
Before repotting a plant, always check the drainage holes and put something at the bottom that will help remove excess water. I use pebbles or bits of polystyrene, but it can also be expanded clay and other materials. Remember to check the drainage of all pots from time to time, if you can use a toothpick to push up anything that may clog them. You should also be careful with the plates to collect the water from irrigation, because if they are full, they come into contact with the roots of the plant and rot them. Place pebbles on the plates and avoid any risk.