How to Treat an Over-Watered Plant

In the world of houseplants, over-watering can be just as dangerous as under-watering. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, over-watering can lead to a condition called root rot, which is life-threatening and common in several plants, including African violets and begonias. The excessive water, which is not absorbed by the plant, pools and turns the soil into an ideal breeding ground for the fungus that causes root rot. Other symptoms of over-watering a plant include soft canes and stalks, black and yellow-tipped foliage and a foul, rotten odor. It is possible to salvage a plant that suffers from the effects of over-watering.

Newspaper or paper towel
Pruning shears
Chlorine bleach
Soil

Instructions

- 1
  Lift the plant off the stand or dish and discard any standing water. Set the pot onto a newspaper or a paper towel and gently press down on the soil to remove the excess, infected water.
- 2
  Remove the plant from the existing pot and examine the roots. If the smell of decay is overwhelming, throw the plant away. If there is minimal root rot and damage, gently rinse the root ball with cool water and trim away the affected roots with pruning shears.
- 3
  Clean the affected pot by submerging it in a mixture of 1 part chlorine bleach and 9 parts water. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, this is adequate to protect the plant from reinfection. Rinse the pot well under cool tap water to remove any bleach residue.
- 4
  Wipe down the pot and fill it with new, well-draining soil. Do not reuse the infected soil. Repot the plant and water it according to its own unique needs.

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