It’s often easy to tell if a plant is healthy by looking at its lush green foliage, glossy leaves or vibrant flowers. But it’s a lot harder to tell if a plant is dead, dying or even just going through a natural part of its lifecycle.
The good news is that there are some simple ways to check if you’ve got a dead plant or one that needs saving. So, if your indoor plant is looking worse for wear, or you have one in the garden that doesn’t seem right, here are X steps you can take to help it (or just the plants around it).
7 ways to treat a dying or dead plant
1. Prune dead flowers, stems or branches
This is a simple way to check if a plant is dead or in need of extra care (which pruning can also help with). Some flowering plants may appear to be dying or dead because the flowers have shrivelled and gone brown, when really this is just a part of the cycle.
For example, chrysanthemums can produce such an abundance of flowers that when their blooms die off, it may appear the plant is also dead. So pruning is an easy way to check on the health of the plant and dead-head the flowers. When you prune, check the health of the stem by noticing how it looks and feels. You’ll typically notice green towards the centre of stems for a living plant, and a firmness (depending on the type of plant).
Signs of poor health or a dead plant could include dried out, brittle stems or branches, brownness all the way to the core or soft, wrinkled appearance. It does depend on the type of plant, though, so check the care details specific to your variety.
If your plant is alive, giving it a good prune can lead to healthier growth. And if it’s a fruiting tree outdoors, such as a lemon, pruning can lead to an even better harvest.
2. Check the soil
If you can’t prune or still aren’t sure if a plant is dead, the soil will give you more clues. If the soil is very dry and the leaves are brittle, it’s typically a sign that the plant is dehydrated and needs water. Some plants, such as cyclamen, even droop when they need water, which is a great visual clue. If it’s a pot plant, you could immerse the pot in water for 10 minutes, the drain off the excess water. Otherwise, give you plant a drink from a watering can or hose.
But don’t flood the soil – water your plant until the soil feels damp to avoid over-watering it. This is another common issue that can make your plant look dead or dying. Signs of overwatering can include mould or moss growing around the base, discoloured foliage and soft or spongy stems and roots.
Either way, find out how much water your plant needs, and adjust your routine. Then monitor the plant for signs it is reviving, such as new growth or firmer stems, and water when the soil gets dry. Also keep in mind that most plants need less water throughout the winter months.
3. Inspect the roots
Another way to tell if you have a dead plant is to look at the roots. Keep in mind that checking the roots can increase the risk of damaging them and the plant.
For a pot plant, check the base of the pot first to see if any roots are growing out of it (a sign it may need re-potting). Or, gently ease it up from the pot to check the roots.
For plants in the garden, make sure you check how far the root system goes. Then, carefully remove some top layers of soil to check how they look and feel.
If they’re dry and brittle, or soft and squishy, it could indicate your plant is under- or over-watered. If there’s damage to the roots, trim back the leaves. This will mean the roots won’t have to work as hard to support a large amount of foliage.
But if the roots are completely dry, and you can’t find any green after pruning, it’s likely the plant is dead and may be better off in the compost or garden waste bin.
4. Re-pot your plant
Many pot plants eventually grow out of their current pot as their roots expand. When that’s the case, choose a pot that’s wider than your last one, along with a high-quality potting mix to revitalise your plant.
Then, gently remove the plant from its current pot and plant it in the new one, surrounding it with the potting mix. Water as if it’s a new plant (or one you’ve planted in the garden), following instructions for how to care for that particular type of plant.
5. Check how much light your plant is getting
Dry, brittle leaves and light or dark patches can indicate your plant is getting too much sun and needs to be moved to a spot that gets less direct sunlight.
On the other hand, if your plant isn’t getting enough light, the leaves could be small and pale. Try moving it to a sunnier position. Just keep in mind that some plants are sensitive to changes in their environment – when that’s the case you may want to gradually reposition it to help it adjust to more optimal conditions.
6. Add some fertiliser
Fertiliser is a great way to give your plant a nutrient boost and can help revive dying plants. It can also help plants adjust to new pots or locations by strengthening them.
As plants respond to different nutrients, make sure you choose a fertiliser that’s suitable for yours. Then, follow the directions carefully, as you don’t want to give it too much.
7. Treat any infestations or diseases
If your house plants have been infested by insects, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth or a mild soap solution. You can also apply this approach to plants outdoors, such as citrus trees with aphids, although if the infestation is large you may need to consider other options.
For diseases, consider pruning off the affected areas, using fertiliser or seeking advice specific to your plant and that condition.
What if the plant is dead?
If you’ve tried these approaches and find that you really do have a dead plant, unfortunately there’s not much you can do with it except dispose of it. If it’s the type of plant that will break down quickly and is unlikely to spread, you could put it in your compost or mulch. Otherwise, you may be able to put it in your garden waste bin.
But if you bought the plant from Bunnings less than a year ago, there may be a silver lining thanks to its Perfect Plant Promise. This applies to plants you’ve bought in the past 12 months, except for seedlings, and means you can return the plant, with your receipt, for a refund.
