How to Bring Back Stressed Plants
Although your rose bush never experienced the stress of an unannounced visit from its mother-in-law, you have probably never competed with a neighbor for sunlight or nitrogen. All living things experience stress, and your plants are no exception. Plants suffer from physical stress such as broken limbs or a lack of sunlight and from environmental stress like cold weather or a lack of water.
A little bit of stress can be good for the plant. Proper pruning, for example, can encourage new growth and thin a plant to allow sunlight to reach the innermost leaves and flowers. Too much stress, however, can be fatal. The best way to help a plant recover from stress is to keep it as healthy as possible. Healthy plants are often able to rebound on their own after an unexpected problem. Fortunately, you can also help stressed plants by eliminating the cause of the problem.
1. Look for Dry Soil
Check the moisture level of the soil around wilted plants, digging 6 inches into the soil to get an accurate idea of the moisture level. Wilting can be a sign of too little or too much water. If the soil is dry, water the plant immediately and watch it carefully to make sure it continues receiving the irrigation it needs. If the soil is wet or soggy, stop watering it until the soil around it is dry to the touch and consider a applying a general fungicide to avoid future problems. Soggy container plants can be repotted and temporarily moved to a shady area until they dry out, says Proven Winners.
2. Provide Adequate Shade From the Heat
Provide copious amounts of water and shade to limp, wilting plants that have suffered heat stress. Spread organic mulch around your plants whenever temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit to help minimize heat stress. Awnings and canopies can provide temporary shade during unusually hot periods while arbors and trellises offer more permanent protection for plants located in less than ideal environments.
3. Prune Back Damaged Plants
Prune black, frost damaged parts of plants only after all danger of another frost has passed and the plant produces new growth. Leaves and stems ravaged by hail or heavy winds should also be pruned from the plant.
4. Add Fertilizer for Plants Lacking Proper Nutrients
Fertilize discolored plants to relieve stress caused by a lack of necessary nutrients. Stressed plants can be burned or damaged by fertilizers, so try to determine exactly what the plant needs rather than throwing an all purpose fertilizer at it. Pale foliage typically indicates nitrogen deficiency while a red or purple hue is the product of a phosphorous shortage. Yellow leaves with green veins are likely lacking in iron. Although color can provide a clue as to the specific problem, a soil test is the only way to accurately determine exactly what supplements the plant needs.
Things You Will Need
Canopy or awning
Trellis or arbor (optional)
Treat pest problems and diseases as soon as you become aware of them. The exact steps you need to take will vary depending on the specific problem you are dealing with. Insecticides and fungicides can be helpful as can altering your gardening practices. Consult a local nursery or local extension office for specific help identifying and dealing with these plant stressors.
- Treat pest problems and diseases as soon as you become aware of them. The exact steps you need to take will vary depending on the specific problem you are dealing with. Insecticides and fungicides can be helpful as can altering your gardening practices. Consult a local nursery or local extension office for specific help identifying and dealing with these plant stressors.
- In spite of your best efforts, not all stressed and damaged plants can be saved.