Despite your best efforts, there are times when a houseplant may begin to show signs of severe stress, such as wilting, blackened leaves, or dropping foliage. If traditional methods fail to revive the plant, it may be necessary to consider more extreme measures. These radical plant care techniques are high-risk options that should only be used as a last resort. Although not guaranteed, they may give your plant one last chance at recovery.
Cutting Back to Soil Level
Cutting a plant back to the soil involves removing all of its above-ground parts, leaving only the base or stems. This technique can help rejuvenate plants suffering from pests, diseases, or environmental stress.
- How It Works: By removing the damaged or dying sections, the plant can focus its energy on producing new, healthy growth.
- Risks: Severe pruning can cause shock, leading to further decline. This method is not suitable for every plant, so use it cautiously.
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How to Do It:
- Use sterilised pruning shears to cut back the plant, leaving a few inches of the stem above the soil.
- Dispose of pruned material properly, especially if it’s diseased.
- Provide the plant with proper care and monitoring after pruning.
Plants that tolerate severe pruning:
- Philodendron
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Aloe Vera
Repotting Under Extreme Conditions
If standard repotting doesn’t improve your plant’s condition, you may need to take more drastic measures. This could involve using an unconventional growing medium or changing the plant’s environment.
- Why Do It? If the plant is suffering from compacted soil, poor drainage, or nutrient imbalances, repotting into a different medium such as perlite or even a hydroponic system may help.
- Risks: Extreme repotting can stress the plant further. Make sure the new medium is suitable for the plant’s species.
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Steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot, shaking off old soil.
- Place the plant in the new growing medium and adjust light, humidity, or other environmental factors as necessary.
Plants that handle extreme repotting well:
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Dracaena
- Pothos
- Rubber Plant
- Succulents
Radical Changes in Environment
If the plant’s current environment is causing problems, making significant changes to its conditions may be necessary. This could involve altering light levels, temperature, or humidity to give the plant a chance to recover.
- How It Works: Moving a plant to a brighter area or using grow lights can help if it’s not receiving enough light. Alternatively, reducing light or humidity may benefit a plant that is receiving too much.
- Risks: Sudden changes can shock the plant, so any adjustments should be made gradually.
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Steps:
- Relocate the plant to an area with different light or humidity conditions.
- Adjust its watering schedule based on how it responds to the new environment.
Best plants for environmental changes:
- Cast Iron Plant
- Peace Lily
- Philodendron
- ZZ Plant
- Aloe Vera
Water Therapy for Overwatered Plants
For plants suffering from overwatering or root rot, water therapy can help the roots recover. This method involves placing the roots in clean water to remove excess moisture and promote healing.
- Why Do It? Waterlogged roots can heal in a controlled water environment, allowing the plant to recover.
- Risks: Some plants don’t tolerate extended periods in water, so only attempt this method with species that can adapt to temporary water immersion.
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Steps:
- Gently remove the plant from its pot, rinse the roots, and place them in clean water.
- Change the water regularly and monitor the plant for signs of recovery.
Plants suitable for water therapy:
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
- Lucky Bamboo
- Ferns
- Rubber Plant
Propagation as a Last Resort
When all else fails, propagation might be the best option to save part of the plant. Taking cuttings from the healthiest sections allows you to try growing new plants while preserving the genetics of the original plant.
- Why Do It? If the plant has sentimental or rare value, propagation provides a way to preserve its lineage.
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How to Propagate:
- Take cuttings from healthy sections of the plant and root them in water or soil, depending on the species.
Easily propagated plants:
- Philodendron
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- Pothos
- Succulents
Conclusion
Radical gardening techniques should only be considered when all traditional plant care methods have been exhausted. Whether you’re cutting back to the soil, repotting in extreme conditions, or radically changing the plant’s environment, each method carries risks. However, with careful attention and proper aftercare, these high-risk solutions may offer a lifeline to your ailing houseplant.
Keen to learn more? Read this blog post to discover step-by-step instructions on how to propagate a Rubber Plant and give new life to your favourite houseplant!