Why Overwatering Kills Plants and How to Fix It

Completely neglecting a plant is certainly not an option, but caring too much is not always a good thing either. For example, overwatering can cause a plant to die. So how do you deal with overwatering? Let's find out together below.

Why overwatering kills plants

1. When a potted flower is overwatered, water fills the gaps in the soil and replaces the air in the soil. At this point, outside air cannot enter either, which causes the soil to lack oxygen, hindering root respiration and lowering physiological function, so the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients is blocked.

2. At the same time, because the soil lacks oxygen, aerobic bacteria in the soil that break down organic matter multiply and become highly active, increasing soil acidity. Because butyric acid bacteria and others run rampant, they produce a series of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which directly poison the root system.

3. Meanwhile, due to the lack of oxygen, the plant consumes a large amount of soluble sugars in its body and accumulates excessive amounts of substances such as alcohol, which greatly reduces photosynthesis and ultimately causes the flowers to die of starvation.

Rescue measures after overwatering a plant

1. When a plant is overwatered and water accumulates in the pot, the branches and leaves will show wilting symptoms. At this point we need to take the plant out of the pot with its soil and place it in a cool, ventilated spot so the moisture in the root soil can evaporate. After 3-5 days, once growth resumes, repot it.

2. If there is continuous rainy weather, potted plants outdoors can be laid on their sides to avoid water accumulation. If the weather clears after a long period of rain, the strong sunlight will scorch the plant; because root growth has been damaged and the branches and leaves transpire too strongly, the plant can suffer severe water loss and die. Be careful to strictly control watering, move the potted flowers to a different location, and shade them until they recover.

We often encounter situations where overwatering causes plant leaves to turn yellow, roots to rot, or even the plant to die. Every plant's water needs differ depending on the season. As we grow them, we must clearly understand each plant's habits and how it should be watered. We cannot water blindly; watering must be done according to that plant's preferences.