How to Restore Wilted Flowers or Vegetables

Identify the reason why the plant is wilting. To do this, research the temperature threshold of the plants you are dealing with to determine if current temperatures are causing the plant to wilt. If the temperatures are within a plant’s normal range, feel and examine the soil at the base of the plants. Hard, dry, cracked soil is an indication that the plant is not receiving adequate water. Moist, pooled water is an indication the plant is receiving too much water.

Move the wilting plants to a location that is within the proper temperature ranges for the plant. If the plants are indoors, this option is much easier than relocating plants in an existing garden. If the plants are outdoors and are wilting due to excessive heat, providing the plants with more water to compensate for the heat is one solution to reverse wilting.

Apply water more frequently. If the plants are wilting, and the ground is hard, dry and cracked, the obvious reason for the wilting is lack of hydration. Apply increased amounts of water to the plants until the plants have become sturdy once again. The plants should be watered enough so the soil and leaves are damp, but not enough so that large amounts of water pool around the base, as this can cause wilting as well.

Decrease the amount of water the plants are receiving if the soil is constantly moist and the water is pooling. If water pools are an issue, this is an indication that the soil is not draining properly. Installing a french drain to carry away excess water, creating a raised flower bed or adding a 3-inch layer of well-draining silt loam on top of the existing soil are all methods that will prevent the water from pooling as much.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the wilting plant. Mulch is highly beneficial for plants that are wilting, as it helps correct three factors that cause wilting. Mulch not only locks in moisture in the soil, but it also improves soil quality and helps prevent the water from pooling, which causes the plants to become oversaturated. Additionally, mulch regulates temperature around the base of the plant, because it acts as an insulator.

Examine the plants for signs of fungus or insect damage, such as wilting, combined with yellowed leaves or holes in the leaves. If the other potential causes of wilt have been ruled out, it is likely that the affected plants are being plagued by a more serious issue, such as insect invasion or fungal diseases. Once it has been determined which of these is the problem, use an all purpose insecticide or fungicide spray to help kill any disease or insects that may be causing the wilt.