Table of Contents
- How Can You Tell Plants Have Too Much Water?
- Why Does Overwatering Kill Plants?
- 1. Low Availability of Oxygen to the Roots
- 2. Root Rotting
- 3. No Water
- 4. Washing of Fertilizers
- How do I fix an overwatered plant?
While most people know that too little water can kill a plant, they are surprised to find out that too much water for a plant can kill it too.
How Can You Tell Plants Have Too Much Water?
The signs of an overwatered plant are:
- Lower leaves are yellow
- Plant looks wilted
- Roots will be rotting or stunted
- No new growth
- Young leaves will turn brown
- Soil will appear green (which is algae)
The signs of plants affected by too much water are very similar to plants that have too little water. Also read our blog on Top 10 NASA Recommended Plants to Improve Air Quality: Indoor Plants for Oxygen.
Why Does Overwatering Kill Plants?
When you first start gardening, you quickly learn that over-watering plants can be harmful. In fact, it can even cause them to die. But why is over-watering so dangerous for young plants? Over-watering restricts the supply of oxygen to the roots, which they need to function properly. This lack of oxygen can cause the plants to suffocate. Additionally, excessive water can lead to root rot, which can be irreversible and ultimately kill the plant.
1. Low Availability of Oxygen to the Roots
Overwatering plants can be fatal because, like humans, plants need air to survive. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air to produce their food, but they also require oxygen to thrive. The roots of the plants are responsible for absorbing oxygen from the surrounding environment to support the plant’s health. However, when the roots are saturated with excessive water, the air pockets in the soil become filled with water, leaving no space for oxygen. This deprives the roots of a crucial resource, ultimately endangering the plant’s survival.
2. Root Rotting
Root rot is the decaying of roots, usually caused by poor drainage or waterlogging. Various fungi such as rhizoctonia, pythium, and phytophthora can cause root rot. This condition is more common in indoor plants than outdoor ones and often leads to the death of the plant. It causes the roots to rot, making them unable to provide essential nutrients and water to the plant. Since it’s nearly impossible to reverse root rot, it’s recommended to water a plant (especially an indoor plant) only when the surrounding soil is dry to prevent the risk of waterlogging.
3. No Water
It may seem counterintuitive, but overwatering a plant can actually deprive it of the very thing it has an abundance of – water. Plants have root hairs that absorb water (along with other nutrients) from the soil and then transport that water to different parts of the plant. Continuously waterlogged conditions caused by overwatering can cause these root hairs to stop functioning. As a result, plants gradually lose the ability to take in oxygen, which is essential for their survival. This is why overwatering kills plants, despite the fact that they need water to live!
4. Washing of Fertilizers
Fertilizers are added to soil to improve its nutrient content and promote plant growth. Overwatering can potentially leach out these fertilizers, depriving plants of essential nutrients.
How do I fix an overwatered plant?
To salvage an overwatered plant, allow the soil in the pot to dry out completely. Once it’s dry, carefully remove the plant from the pot and shake off the excess soil to inspect the roots. Trim off any damaged, dead, or unhealthy roots, leaving only the healthy white ones. Then, repot the plant using fresh soil and a new pot. It’s best to choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent excess moisture buildup.
These are the main reasons why overwatering kills plants and how you can fix it. Always check the surrounding roots before watering the plant and follow the care tips for each plant in your garden. The watering instructions for different plants, such as air purifying plants and bonsai plants, vary. There are also gadgets available in the market that can provide readings of the soil moisture level. Help your plant stay healthy for a long time with proper watering and care. Happy planting!
At G-Sewa, best NGO for water conservation, we are committed to conserving water by raising awareness and running impactful community campaigns. Your involvement can make a significant difference in preserving this essential resource for everyone. Take action with us today.
