Forgetting to water plants is common. Even dedicated plant parents might find their plants looking sad. Fortunately, many plants are resilient and can recover from drought. This guide covers identifying underwatered plants, revival steps, post-revival care, and prevention strategies.
Recognizing the Signs of Underwatered Plants
Identifying an underwatered plant involves observing its foliage and soil. Leaves are typically the first to show distress, appearing droopy, limp, or wilted as the plant loses turgidity. You might notice leaves curling inwards or developing crispy, brown edges and tips. Lower leaves may also yellow or brown.
Beyond visual cues, examine the potting medium. Severely dry soil often appears compacted and may pull away from pot edges. The pot will feel noticeably lighter due to lack of moisture. A finger test, inserting your finger an inch or two into the soil, confirms if it’s dry.
Reviving Your Thirsty Plants
When a plant is severely dry, immediate rehydration is necessary. For potted plants, a slow, gradual watering approach is most effective. Add a small amount of water to the soil top, allowing it to absorb. After a few minutes, apply more water in stages until it drains from the pot bottom.
For very dry or compacted soil that repels water, bottom watering is effective. Place the potted plant into a tray, sink, or bucket with a few inches of water. The soil absorbs water through drainage holes via capillary action, drawing moisture upwards until the top layer becomes damp. This thoroughly saturates the root ball.
Allow the plant to soak for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the topsoil feels moist. Once rehydrated, remove the plant and allow excess water to drain completely before returning it. Avoid immediately drenching the plant, as this can lead to issues if drainage is poor or roots are compromised.
Post-Revival Care for Recovery
After rehydration, a plant needs gentle care to fully recover. Place it in indirect light with stable temperatures, away from harsh sunlight, drafts, or extreme fluctuations. This reduces stress as the plant regains strength.
Patience is important for recovery; some severely damaged or crispy leaves may not bounce back. Prune these once the plant shows new, healthy growth.
Monitor soil moisture regularly using the finger test, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly before the next watering to prevent root rot. Refrain from fertilizing a stressed plant immediately, as this adds further strain. Wait until the plant shows clear recovery, like new leaf development, before a gentle, diluted fertilizer application.
Preventing Future Watering Lapses
Establishing a consistent watering routine prevents future lapses. While a rigid schedule might not suit every plant, set a general reminder to check them. Instead of a fixed timetable, check soil moisture before each watering. The “finger test” remains the most reliable method.
Understanding each plant species’ specific needs is helpful. Some plants, like succulents, prefer soil to dry completely between waterings, while others, such as ferns, need consistent moisture. Grouping plants with similar watering requirements simplifies your routine. For convenience, consider self-watering solutions like wicking systems or self-watering pots. These provide continuous moisture, reducing manual watering frequency, and are useful for busy schedules or plants needing frequent hydration.