How can I revive a dying basil plant?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.It all starts with being able to describe the problem correctly. Yellowing leaves indicate that it's getting too much water and needs to be dried out of the soil. Wilting leaves indicate a water deficiency and require watering now. I've saved many plants simply by being able to describe them correctly using the correct terminology and then finding a solution for the issue.
Overwatering Recovery
- Stop watering immediately until top 2 inches dry
- Gently remove plant to inspect roots for rot
- Trim blackened roots with sterilized scissors
- Repot in fresh well-draining soil
Underwatered Plants
- Submerge pot in water for 15 minutes
- Mist leaves with room-temperature water
- Provide temporary shade for 24 hours
- Apply diluted seaweed extract to reduce stress
Light Starvation Revival
- Gradually increase light exposure over 3 days
- Use grow lights 4 inches above for 14 hours
- Prune leggy stems above nodes
- Apply fish emulsion to stimulate growth
Root rehabilitation is essential for recovery speed. After cutting any damaged roots, soak the remaining roots in compost tea for 30 minutes before repotting. Use pots that are one size larger than the root ball. I've found my mycorrhizal fungi will help in recovery in newly added soil.
Continued care after revival is essential to prevent the plant from relapsing. Keep the plant moistened using the finger test method during this period. Maintain the plant away from extreme temperatures as it recovers. I place revived basil under a steady temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) for two weeks before exposing it back to normal conditions.
Nutritional support helps speed recovery. After you see initial recovery signs, apply diluted fish emulsion at quarter strength. Avoid full-strength fertilizer until plants exhibit healthy new growth. This gentle technique has brought my plants back to health in just three weeks.
Read the full article: How to Grow Basil Successfully at Home
