4 ways to revive a nearly dead houseplant

If you have a houseplant on the brink, don't give up on your green house companion just yet — hope is not lost.
Plants go through cycles and are known to change shape and form as they grow, which can be alarming if you're not in tune with your green thumb.
While it might look like your plant is about to drop dead and shrivel up, it's not always the case. Some simple TLC and a few clever tips can revive a nearly dead houseplant, bringing the greenery back into your home.
Houseplants can be fickle but with the right care you can bring them back from the brink. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Time for a new home
Starting fresh can do wonders for anyone and the same goes for your plants. Transferring a tired-looking plant into a different pot with new soil can make quite a difference.
Simply opt for a pot or container that's a little big bigger than your plant's old home, as this will give the roots room to grow and flourish.
A balanced diet
From good-quality soil to fertiliser, when it comes to nourishing plants they need a selection of healthy foods too.
If you have a plant that has seen better days, replace old soil with a high-quality potting mix and be sure to keep up regular feeds. You might also want to consider trying a fertiliser.
Water wisely
If you have a sick, sad plant on your hands, considering your watering schedule is crucial.
Different plants require different water levels in different seasons or conditions. Be sure you have the correct information about your plant's water requirements and water accurately, or else you run the risk of under or over watering.
Let there be light
When a plant isn't doing well many people automatically think it requires more sunlight, and while it's important it is a delicate process.
Swiftly moving a plant that has seen better days into the sun — which can be quite hot at times — can cause serious problems. Only give a tired plant 100 per cent indirect sun for a short time until it recuperates.
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