Fix Your Plants

So You Think You’ve Overwatered A Plant?

Overwatering a plant is something that seemed advanced to me when I started on my houseplant journey. Until I learned how quickly you can overwater and drown a plant! Learning about root rot (the hard way of course) was a major turning point for my plants. I learned that unfortunately you can kill a plant from overwatering and unlike when you don’t give them enough water, it is nearly impossible to bring them back to health after root rot has taken over.

However don’t panic! It does take an extended amount of time from when you start overwatering a plant to when root rot causes your beautiful plant to end up in the trash. Which means if you find out/figure out your plant is being overwatered there are steps you can take to prevent root rot and keep your plant hydrated but healthy.

So if you think you have overwatered a plant in your home keep reading to determine if you have and what changes to make to keep it healthy!

So You Think You’ve Overwatered A Plant?

What to do when a house plants been overwatered:

The first step when you suspect you are watering a plant to much is to look for the telltale signs that it’s indeed the case. So let’s go over the signs that a house plant is being overwatered.

Signs your plant is being overwatered:

  1. Wilting Leaves: While it may seem counterintuitive, overwatering can cause wilting leaves. This is because excess water fills the spaces between soil particles, depriving the roots of oxygen. As a result, the plant’s ability to take up water is impaired, leading to wilted, droopy leaves.
  2. Yellowing or Browning Leaves: Yellowing or browning leaves, especially at the base of the plant, can be a sign of overwatering. When roots sit in soggy soil for too long, they can become waterlogged and suffocate, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown as they die back.
  3. Mold or Fungus Growth: Excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold, fungus, and other pathogens. If you notice mold or fungus growing on the soil surface or around the base of the plant, it may be a sign that you’re overwatering.
  4. Soft, Mushy Stems or Roots: Overwatering can cause the stems and roots of houseplants to become soft, mushy, and prone to rot. Healthy roots should be firm and white, so if you notice any softness or discoloration, it could indicate overwatering.
  5. Foul Odor: An unpleasant, musty odor emanating from the soil is often a sign of overwatering. This odor is caused by the presence of anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in waterlogged soil conditions and produce foul-smelling gases.
  6. Stagnant Water in the Saucer: If you see standing water in the saucer or drainage tray beneath your plant, it’s a clear indication that you’ve been overwatering. While some houseplants like to be kept consistently moist, none of them appreciate sitting in water for extended periods.
  7. Slow Growth or Lack of New Growth: Overwatering can stunt the growth of houseplants and prevent new growth from emerging. If you notice that your plant has stopped growing or is growing more slowly than usual, it may be a sign that it’s not getting the right balance of water and oxygen.

Now that you have determined that your plant is or is not being overwatered it’s time to move on.

If your plant has none of the above issues than you are probably in the clear! If there are other issues presenting then there is a good chance that it’s an issue other than overwatering preventing them and it’s time to go back to the plant problem drawing board (you have my sympathy because that’s no fun but hey it’s probably better than root rot!).

But if you did determine that your plant is suffering from overwatering here is what you need to do.

Steps to take when a house plant has been overwatered:

  1. Assess the Damage: Take a close look at your plant to assess the extent of the damage. Look for signs of wilting, yellowing or browning leaves, soft or mushy stems, and any mold or fungus growth on the soil surface.
  2. Remove Excess Water: If there is standing water in the saucer or drainage tray beneath the plant, carefully tip the pot to pour out the excess water. Avoid leaving the plant sitting in waterlogged soil, as this can exacerbate the problem.
  3. Allow Soil to Dry: Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. This may take several days or even a week, depending on the type of plant and the extent of the overwatering. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it feels damp, wait until it dries out before watering again.
  4. Improve Drainage: If your plant is in a pot without drainage holes, consider repotting it into a container with proper drainage. This will help prevent water from accumulating around the roots and reduce the risk of overwatering in the future.
  5. Trim Damaged Leaves and Stems: Trim off any yellowed, browned, or mushy leaves and stems using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This will help prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth.
  6. Improve Air Circulation: Increase air circulation around the plant by placing it in a well-ventilated area with good airflow. Avoid crowding plants together too closely, as this can promote fungal growth and exacerbate moisture-related issues.
  7. Monitor Carefully: Keep a close eye on your plant as it recovers, monitoring its progress and adjusting your care routine as needed. Resume watering only when the soil has dried out sufficiently, and be mindful not to overwater again.
  8. Consider Root Rot Treatment: If your plant shows signs of root rot, such as foul-smelling, mushy roots, you may need to take more drastic measures to save it. Gently remove the plant from its pot, trim away any rotted roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Treat the remaining healthy roots with a fungicide to prevent further infection.

By following these steps and providing your overwatered houseplant with the care it needs, you can help it recover and thrive once again. Remember, patience is key, so be gentle and attentive as you nurse your plant back to health.

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