Every plant parent knows that underwatering or overwatering can determine the life of your indoor houseplants. While underwatering can create a multitude of plant problems, overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants and is in many ways much tougher to reverse damage. But don’t fret, its still possible to save your favorite drowned plant!

First, lets go over the signs that you have overwatered your plant baby. Yellow leaves, mushy stems, and wilting is some of the first indicators of a drenched plant. But, your biggest indicator after you start to see foliage damage, is the feeling of your soil. If you dip your finger into the soil and feel moisture all the way down, it’s time to get started on your plant rescue mission!

(Tip: all the signs of overwatering can also be signs of underwatering. Confusing, we know. That’s why checking the moisture is so important to determine your next course of action!)

How to Save Your Overwatered Plant:

Step 1: Back off on watering immediately:

• Do not add more water until the soil begins to dry.
• Empty any cache pots or saucers that may be holding excess water.
• Put your plant in a spot that has good airflow. Avoid intense direct sun immediately after repotting.

Step 2: Check out the roots:

• Remove the plant gently from its grow pot, or decorative pot.
• Loosen a small amount of soil from the bottom and check on the roots: White and firm means healthy – brown/black, soft, and slimy roots means root rot from overwatering.

Step 3: Trim the root rot away:

• Always use sterilized pruning scissors and snip away at any dark and slimy roots you can see. Leave any healthy roots alone as best you can.

Step 4: Time to repot into fresh soil:

• Old soil is probably too wet and can no longer drain well. Gently shake off old soil from roots. You don’t have to go overboard, just as much as you can safely.
• Choose a pot with drainage holes, add a small layer of fresh soil to the bottom of the pot, and then stick your plant inside. Use a well-draining potting mix and fill any empty spots on the sides and top with fresh soil.

Step 5: Leave that plant alone!

• This is probably the most difficult step, believe us, we know. But, now you need to leave the plant to dry out. Let any leftover wet soil dry so that oxygen can finally reach the roots.
• Within 3 days to a week, the soil should begin fully drying, and any wilting can often improve. It takes a few weeks for new healthy roots to develop – so be patient.
• Remember to use your finger (or moisture meter) to check if the plant is still wet. We recommend letting the plant dry 1 or 2 inches down, and then fully water the plant until water leaves the drainage holes. Once the water stops leaking from the holes, you can put it back in your decorative pot or cache. You want to avoid having it sit in excess water while its recovering from overwatering.

If you found this guide helpful, explore our blog for more care tips or to thank us by checking out our office and home plant designs!  Don’t forget to bookmark this guide so you’ll have it ready for the next time your plant needs a rescue!

Ligand is a biopharmaceutical company that invests in the groundbreaking medicines of today and the future – their Boston office, located in the Prudential Tower in the heart of the historic Back Bay, breaks the mold of a corporate setting by incorporating living plants throughout their space.

In a competitive market like Boston, office environments matter more than ever. Small details like indoor plants show a company’s commitment to employee well-being.

In a modern office, indoor plants may seem like a minor addition, but their impact is anything but small. At Ligand’s Boston office, they help create a workspace that supports focus, reduces stress, and enhances overall employee experience!

Our dedicated horticultural manager Tyler has been caring for Ligand’s plants since they installed, and tells us the office always looks sleek and modern, and the way EnviroGreenery designed their indoor plant layout keeps the modern aesthetic consistent while still bringing nature into the space. “I love when we can work with customer’s aesthetic but still bring greenery in, anytime we can bring nature to people it’s a big plus!”

By integrating biophilic design into their office, Ligand has a forward thinking approach to the office that aligns with workplace wellness and sustainability. A small investment with big returns: happier employees, a more attractive office, and a culture that values nature!

At EnviroGreenery we make it easy to bring greenery into your office – transforming your space into something vibrant, fresh, and full of life!

Our goal is simple: we want to help you elevate your office with plants that not only look good but also boost your mood and creativity.

No hassle or maintenance for you — just plants that breath life into your space, while you focus on what you do best.