How to Save a Plant That Has Been Over Watered

Overwatering is as damaging to a potted plant as is underwatering. Unlike garden beds, the excess water in a potted plant cannot drain, so it remains in the soil. It drowns the plant’s roots and suffocates the roots. Plants suffering from over watering may drop both new and old leaves. Mildew and mold can also become an issue. The roots eventually die and begin rotting, turning brown, mushy and developing a foul odor. You may be able to save an overwatered plant if the root death isn't too extensive.

Pot
Potting soil
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a new pot the same size or one size larger than the current pot. Use a pot with bottom drainage holes, so that excess water drains.
- 2
  Place 2 to 3 inches of a lightweight, moistened potting soil in the container. Use a soil with peat, perlite or vermiculite, as these substances encourage good drainage.
- 3
  Lift the overwatered plant out of the old pot. Remove as much soil as possible from the roots.
- 4
  Inspect the roots for signs of rot. Trim any dead or rotten roots with a sharp pair of shears.
- 5
  Set the plant in the new pot, gently spreading the roots. Adding more soil beneath the plant elevates the plant's crown, so that it sits 1 to 2 inches beneath the pot’s rim of the pot. The crown is where the stems emerge from the root system.
- 6
  Fill in around the roots with moistened potting soil until the plant is at the same depth it was growing at before. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

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