This is how you give exhausted plants new life

Very often, hanging basket plants purchased in spring begin to fade in mid-summer. And it can happen overnight! The hundreds of flowers that once covered the entire plant are now barely noticeable. In addition, the resulting colors are anything but bright and cheerful. Even dark green foliage, stems and shoots begin to turn pale, light and yellow. Why does this happen and how can you bring new life to your exhausted hanging plants? In this post you will find some useful tips on how to save dying hanging basket plants!

Saving dying hanging basket plants: Yes, it is possible!

Don’t throw those exhausted, dying hanging basket plants

Why do ampelous plants start to die?

Unfortunately, the death and wilting of purchased hanging basket plants is an all too common problem. And in most cases it’s not due to lack of water or attention. If you buy hanging basket plants in early spring, they will have already spent an incredibly long time in their respective containers – usually it’s not weeks, but in most cases months!

In order for ampelous plants to bloom in early spring, growers begin sowing in greenhouses months in advance. Sometimes as early as December or January. And although they seem to be thriving at first glance, their roots have run out of space. When this happens, it spells major problems for the long-term health of the crop. However, they can be saved with proper treatment.

Plants become exhausted because they don’t have enough space or nutrients

Signs of early problems and how to address them

You’ll notice the first signs of a problem when watering. If the water flows through and out of the bottom of the plant within seconds, the plant is most likely root bound. When this happens, hanging basket plants can no longer absorb water or nutrients efficiently. In addition, the little soil that is in the container no longer contains any nutrients because it has worn out. As a result, the plant begins to suffer and weaken. However, there are some ways to give it new life. It’s not difficult at all and requires very little effort!

Even if your plants seem to be dying or weak, that’s certainly not a reason to throw them away

How to save dying ampel plants?

Bringing new life to a tired plant comes down to two simple things: give it more space and fresh, new soil rich in nutrients. If your dying hanging basket plant shows signs of being rooted, you should be able to revive it by transplanting it into a larger pot with new soil where there is enough room for its root. When purchasing a new container, choose one with a diameter of at least 40-45 cm. Before transplanting into a larger hanging basket, carefully loosen the stuck roots with your fingers, soak them in water and then fill them with fresh potting soil. This means they stick better to the new soil.

*Discover many ideas on how to make macrame hanging baskets.

Choose a pot that gives your plant the space it needs to grow and thrive throughout the season

Transplant hanging plants directly into flower beds

If you have a garden, you can also transplant the flowers directly there. This will ensure that they do not lack the space they need even if they continue to grow. First, remove the potted plant from its original container. In most cases, root-bound plants are easy to lift out of their container. Next, carefully break up the root ball by starting from the bottom. Afterwards, soak the roots in water to loosen them.

Meanwhile, dig a hole in the ground that is twice the diameter and one and a half times the depth of the root ball. Add equal parts compost and soil to the hole and place the plant in it. Fill the gaps with soil.

Water the root thoroughly and cover it with mulch to retain moisture. This is also the perfect time to give your plant a boost with homemade liquid fertilizer. This helps it recover energy and quickly develop new roots in the surrounding soil.

Saving dying hanging basket plants is not that difficult

Care after transplanting

Keep the plant well watered for the first few weeks and reapply fertilizer every few weeks until it becomes established. You will be surprised at how quickly your once sad flower gets used to the new situation and takes off again! Now you know how to give your hanging plants a new lease of life!

Ensure proper care after transplanting

Follow these tips to save your dying hanging basket plants