Featured guide
Rescue a dry container plant
Check whether a pot is truly dry, re-wet it evenly and reduce the chance of another sudden wilt.
More practical guidance
Prepare container plants for frostReduce root damage by matching protection to the plant, pot, exposure and forecast rather than wrapping everything the same way.Start a simple compost binBuild a balanced mix of moist green material and drier brown material, then adjust air and moisture when decomposition stalls.
Quick checklist
- Dryness confirmed below surface
- Root ball wetted evenly
- Drainage holes clear
- Plant protected during recovery
- Watering check scheduled
Common problems
The compost stays wet and the plant wilts
Stop watering, check drainage and roots, and identify whether rot or another problem is present.
Water immediately escapes
Dry peat-based compost can repel water. Re-wet slowly in several passes rather than flooding once.
What to do next
Check the plant the next morning. Remove only clearly dead material and adjust light, pot size or compost if drying is repeatedly too fast.