How do I know if a plant is suffering from overwatering?

Overwatering can lead to diseases and even death in many plants. It results in a lack of oxygen in the roots, causing root rot. Moreover, overly moist soil becomes a breeding ground for various diseases, fungi, and pests.

To identify if you're overwatering your plants, watch out for these symptoms:

• Wilting: Surprisingly, both underwatering and overwatering can cause wilting. In the case of overwatering, compacted soil restricts oxygen flow to the roots, preventing them from absorbing moisture. This leads to faded leaves, loss of turgor, and eventual leaf drop.
• Blackened Shoots: Excess moisture softens and rots the shoots. Initially, shoot tips turn black, spreading gradually. Adjust the watering schedule and promptly prune affected shoots close to the base.
• Soil Mildew: Excessive soil moisture creates ideal conditions for mildew growth.
• Unpleasant Odor: Overwatered soil may emit an acidic or musty smell.
• Plant Rot: Signs of rot, especially in the trunk, indicate overwatering. In this case, the only solution is to trim the top portion and attempt to root it in fresh soil.

Be cautious with spraying, as excessive moisture can harm your plant.
To rescue an overwatered plant, remove it from the pot and inspect the roots. If they are white, simply let the soil dry out, using paper towels if necessary. Repot it with fresh soil.
If the roots are dark and slimy, they have started to rot. Carefully remove the affected parts and replant the remaining healthy portion in fresh soil.
To prevent overwatering, consider these tips:

• Use pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing harm to the plant.
• Regularly aerate the soil a few hours after watering to enhance soil oxygenation and expedite drying, even for overwatered plants.

Proper watering is crucial for plant health. Utilize our Watering Calculator to establish an optimal watering regimen.