SOS for Ailing Houseplants

How To Keep Wilting at Bay

When you bring a fresh houseplant home, it instantly brings life, color, and beauty into your space. Fast forward several months or years, and your plants might not have their fresh-from-the-florist glow. Plants tend to struggle due to improper care, environmental changes, or aging blooms. If you find your houseplants looking a bit under the weather or your freshly cut flowers wilting too soon, don’t panic! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can revive ailing houseplants and extend the vase life of your beloved blooms. 

Rescuing Houseplants

One of the most common reasons for ailing houseplants is either overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, hold off on watering for a few more days. Proper light exposure is also a key factor in plant health. Ensure your plants are getting adequate light based on their specific requirements. Move them to brighter areas if they need more light, or scoot them away from the window if they’re getting too much direct sunlight.

Some plants, like ferns and tropical species, thrive with higher humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water with pebbles beneath the plant to increase humidity, especially when the weather is hot and dry.

Consider a bit of spring cleaning for your plants! Remove any dead or yellowing leaves, stems, or flowers from your plants. Pruning encourages new growth and improves overall plant health by redirecting nutrients to healthy parts. You may be surprised how much plants can gather dust. Dust your plants with a soft cloth to ensure that they can absorb as much moisture, sun, and air as possible through their leaves. 

 If your plant is root-bound or starting to overfill its current pot, consider re-potting into a larger container with fresh, well-draining soil. This allows roots to spread and access nutrients more effectively. Even plants that fit well in their pots benefit from re-potting with fresh soil to ensure that any moldy or bacteria-ridden soil is refreshed, and to give roots more movement and fresh nutrients.

Preventative Care for Healthy Plants

The best way to keep your plants healthy is to address issues before it’s too late. Make a plan for regular maintenance tasks such as watering, pruning, and fertilizing based on each plant’s specific needs. Consistent care promotes healthy growth and resilience against common issues. Be mindful of environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light levels in your home. Adjust conditions as needed to create a happy environment for your plants and flowers.

Avoid overcrowding plants or flowers in a single container or vase. Adequate spacing allows for proper airflow, reduces competition for nutrients, and minimizes the risk of pests and diseases. On the topic of pests - keep an eye out for signs of common pests like aphids, spider mites, or fungus gnats. Promptly address any pest infestations using organic or chemical-free methods to protect plant health. 

Each plant varietal has specific needs – be sure that your remedies are plant-appropriate. For instance, ferns thrive with regular misting to maintain humidity levels and prevent dryness. On the other hand, succulents thrive in well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, and avoid standing water in the pot.

Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and slightly humid conditions. Water orchids sparingly, allowing the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings. Use orchid fertilizer for optimal growth and bloom. Lilies thrive in medium to low light conditions. Keep their soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity levels. Tropical plants thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water them moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Trim brown or yellow leaves as needed.

Extending Your Flowers’ Vase Life

Green plants are bound to live longer than cut flowers. However, there are several ways to keep floral bouquets happier, healthier, and sturdier for a longer time. Start with a clean vase and freshly trimmed stems. Bacteria can shorten flower vase life, so wash the vase with soap and warm water, and trim stems at an angle under running water to prevent air bubbles from blocking water uptake.

 Add a packet of flower food to the vase water. Flower food contains nutrients and compounds that nourish flowers, inhibit bacterial growth, and prolong vase life. Then, plan to replace the vase water every 2-3 days or whenever it starts to look cloudy or if the levels are low. Fresh water helps maintain flower freshness and prevents bacteria buildup, which can clog stems and reduce water uptake.

Pro tip: whenever you change the water, trim about an inch off the bottom of the flower stems. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears at a 45-degree angle to ensure a clean cut.

 You’ve seen florists store their flowers in refrigerators. You don’t need to do this – after all, you’ll want to enjoy the flowers where you can see them! However, you will want to avoid heat sources. Keep your flower arrangements away from direct sunlight, heaters, or drafts. Heat sources can cause flowers to wilt prematurely, while drafts can speed up water evaporation, leading to dehydration. And if you think of it, letting your flowers spend the night in the refrigerator while you sleep can be a great way to prolong their vase life. 

Refresh Your Houseplant Collection at Allen’s Flower Market 

Reviving unwell houseplants and extending flower vase life requires a combination of proper care, attention to detail, and timely interventions. With a little TLC, your indoor oasis will flourish and bring joy for years to come. If you are ready to grow your plant family, look no further - Allen’s Flower Market has your houseplant needs covered. Our selection of green plants comes in stylish, well-designed pots and will freshen any room in your home. We also carry an assortment of flowering plants to add a burst of color and a promise of lasting beauty.