How do I revive a dying plant?

Work out the cause, fix watering, light or roots, and give the plant time to recover.
Many struggling plants can be saved if you act early and find the cause. Check the roots, soil, light and watering.
Make one change at a time and give it a few weeks.
Check the roots
Gently remove the plant from its pot. Healthy roots are firm and pale; brown, mushy roots mean rot. Trim rotten roots and repot in fresh mix.
Adjust watering and light
Water properly if the soil is bone dry, or let it dry out if it is soggy. Move the plant to the right light level.
Prune and be patient
Remove dead growth. If the stem is still green, the plant may regrow.
More in Gardening & Growing
Mini-courses
Recommended for you
1 creditRestore Your Houseplants to Full Health
Learn how to systematically identify and correct common plant health issues to prevent future leaf yellowing.
1 creditDesign a Productive Year-Round Planting Schedule
Create a precise gardening calendar to maximise your harvests based on local weather patterns.
1 creditFollow a Step-by-Step Rose Pruning Process
Follow this practical guide to pruning roses to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering cycles.

