Have your plants suffered this summer? 3 steps to help them recover

Summer can be a challenging time for our plants.

Higher temperatures, changes in daylight hours, holidays, a few days without watering (or too much watering before we leave) can mean that, when we get back home, we find dry leaves, drooping plants or an unexpected visit from pests.

But a plant that is not looking its best does not necessarily mean it is beyond saving.

Before replacing it with a new one, take a close look and give it a little time. September can be a good time to give it some care and help it recover.

Before you start: check what your plant really needs

When we see a wilted plant, our first instinct is usually to water it. And very often, watering it again is exactly what it needs. But not always.

Yellow, brown or drooping leaves can appear because of a lack of water, but also due to overwatering, too much sun, too little light or sudden changes in the plant’s conditions. That’s why, before taking action, it’s important to check the condition of the substrate and take a close look at the leaves and stems.

If the substrate is completely dry, gradually resume watering and make sure all the soil is properly hydrated, without leaving it waterlogged. If it is still damp, wait before watering again. At CitySens, we have already talked about the importance of adjusting watering during the warmer months and avoiding both too little and too much water.

Now it’s time to start the recovery process.

1. Pruning: remove what will no longer recover

A completely dry leaf will not turn green again.

Removing leaves and stems that are completely dry, yellow or damaged helps tidy up the plant and makes it much easier to see which parts are still healthy.

There is no need for drastic pruning. In fact, if the plant has been exposed to heat or water stress, it is better to start gradually.

Only cut away the parts that are clearly damaged and keep any leaves that still have a good amount of green tissue. These leaves are still useful to the plant while new growth begins to appear.

TIP: use clean scissors and make clean cuts to avoid damaging the stems.

2. Check the leaves and stems: are there any pests or fungi?

Now that you are taking a closer look at the plant, use the opportunity to give it a quick check-up. Pay particular attention to the underside of the leaves, new shoots, the areas where leaves meet the stems, and the more hidden parts of the plant. These are often the places where pests tend to settle.

Can you see small insects, or do the leaves feel sticky? You may be dealing with a pest infestation.

Aphids, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites and whiteflies are some of the most common visitors to our plants. Some sap-sucking pests also produce a sticky substance on leaves and stems, which can be a useful clue when trying to identify them.

In these cases, you can use CitySens ECO insecticide with potassium soap, made from fatty acids of plant origin and designed to act against insects, larvae and eggs. CitySens recommends it for common pests such as whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, mealybugs and aphids.

Have you noticed spots, mould or signs of fungal problems?

If you have identified a fungal problem, the ECO fungicide with propolis can help. Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees, and the CitySens product is suitable for different fungal problems, including powdery mildew, botrytis, fusarium and alternaria.

It is also a good idea to remove any dead plant material and check the surrounding conditions: poor ventilation and leaving the leaves wet for too long can encourage certain fungal problems.

3. When it starts to recover, give it a boost

After pruning, adjusting the watering and checking that there are no pests or fungal problems, it’s time to be a little patient.

Look for small signs of recovery: leaves becoming firm again, new shoots appearing, or simply that the plant has stopped getting worse.

Once it is properly hydrated and stable again, you can support its growth with an extra dose of nutrients.

CitySens nutrients contain a combination of 14 mineral elements and can be used both for plants grown in soil and in hydroponic systems.

There is one important rule to keep in mind: more nutrients do not mean a faster recovery.

Avoid applying fertiliser to completely dry substrate, and always follow the recommended dosage. Problems with watering, light or roots should be addressed first rather than trying to compensate for them by adding more nutrients.

And what if it needs all three?

That’s exactly what our ECO Plant Care Kit is for:

• Nutrients, to support your plants’ growth.

• Potassium soap, to treat some of the most common plant pests.

• Propolis, to help tackle different fungal problems.

It also includes two small spray bottles for preparing and applying the treatments.

Before giving up on your plant, remember that plants also go through better and worse periods. The important thing is to observe what has changed, identify what they need and give them time to respond.

So, if you come back from holiday and one of your plants is not exactly looking its best: prune it, check it carefully and, when it is ready, give it a little boost.

It may just need a little help to start growing again.