Source: http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/home-organising/save-nearly-dead-houseplant/
Nothing livens up a room more than the green leaves and colourful petals of a houseplant. But anyone who’s owned one also knows that it’s seriously depressing watching it shrink, turn brown, and die a slow painful death. Before you give up, try these tricks that might help nurse your plant back to health.
1. REPOT YOUR PLANT
Moving a tired-looking fern or succulent into a fresh pot of soil can make a big difference according to Ashton Ritchie, a lawn and garden expert. Just pick a container that’s a size upgrade: ‘Be sure to select a pot a couple of inches wider than the one you are replacing,’ he says. This will give the roots room to grow and thrive.
2. FEED IT BETTER
Plants need healthy food too, so replace your old soil with a high-quality potting mix. ‘Your newly-potted plant will appreciate regular feedings following the frequency recommended on the plant food package,’ Ritchie says. You might also want to try fertiliser — just stick with a slow-process variety that won’t feed your plant’s roots too much at once.
3. GIVE IT SUN — SLOWLY
Even though sun is for the most part good for plants, abruptly moving them into the hot, bright sun when they’re looking worse for wear can cause serious problems, according to Anthony Smith.. ‘Only give [your plant] 100% indirect sun for a short time until it recovers,’ he says.
4. DON’T OVERWATER
‘The most common mistake among gardeners is not being familiar with their plants’ dormant periods, so they keep watering them,”‘ says Gena Lorainne, a planting expert. You should research when this season happens with your plant so you can make sure you’re not accidentally drowning your favourite flower.
5. GET RID OF PESTS
If the leaves or stem of your plant are speckled or weak-looking, bugs might be the problem. The experts at Window Box recommend getting rid of unwanted visitors by either gently wiping or spritzing leaves with a mild soapy water solution.
6. TRY A GREENHOUSE
Some plants may need a more humid environment, which (if we had to guess) you probably don’t want for your home. To create an individual greenhouse for your plant, place a small plastic bag on top of it, says Lorainne: ‘Keep it like this for four to five days to revive the environment needed.’