One of the greatest challenges an indoor plant can ever encounter is overwatering. It Kills!
What is Overwatering?
Overwatering simply refers to drowning your plants. The soil has been wet for too long, caused by your plant not having enough sunlight for the soil to dry out properly between watering. If there is too much water, there are not enough air pockets and this results in a limited oxygen supply and plants are not able to breathe.
Signs of Overwatering
1. Yellow patches
2. Soft, Squishy, moldy stems
3. Brown Edges form when leaves take in too much water and their cells become oversaturated and burst. Regrettably, dark spots on leaves can also be a sign of underwatering.
4. The soil is attracting pests such as fungus gnats. These are small flying insects that thrive in damp soil and compost that can ruin your plant.
5. No new growth or grappling foliage. This is a sign that your plant is not getting the nutrients it needs.
Saving Your Overwatered Plant
1. Hold off on watering.
2. Aerate the roots and soil. Use Chopsticks or your hand by tapping on the sides of the pot to gently loosen the soil and create air pockets.
3. Cut the dead leaves and stems from the plant. This will aid the plant to save energy whilst it recovers.
4. Place in a sunny location as it recovers.
5. Check for root rot. Remove rotting roots. These look soft and dark-colored, unlike firm white healthy roots. Choose a pot with good drainage or holes to remove excess moisture and use fresh soil to repot your plant carefully.