To dry out plants that are suffering from overwatering, several steps can be taken to reduce the moisture in the soil and promote drying, as detailed by Proven Winners:
Methods to Dry Out Overwatered Plants
Here's a breakdown of effective techniques:
1. Move to a Shady Area
- Transfer the plant to a shady spot, even if it's a sun-loving plant. This reduces evaporation, allowing the soil to dry out gradually rather than being baked.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage
- Make sure the pot has sufficient drainage holes. If not, consider adding more or using a pot with better drainage capabilities to allow excess water to escape.
3. Improve Air Circulation Around Roots
- Create air pockets around the root ball if possible. This can be achieved by gently loosening the soil around the edges of the pot, or slightly lifting the root ball up (if feasible) to allow air to get to the lower layers.
4. Repot the Plant
- If the plant is manageable, repotting it into a different pot with fresh, dry potting mix can help. Make sure to remove as much of the wet soil as possible from the root ball when repotting.
5. Adjust Watering Schedule
- Begin watering again only when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. This helps prevent overwatering in the future.
Example Application
Consider a tomato plant that appears droopy despite not being underwatered. If the soil is very wet to the touch:
- You should relocate the tomato plant to shade.
- Check if the drainage holes are blocked.
- You may need to repot it into a pot with better draining holes.
- Finally, only water when the soil surface feels dry.
By following these steps, you can help your overwatered plants recover from excessive moisture and ensure they thrive.
