How to Get Rescued Houseplants to Thrive

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Today, I’m going to talk about rescuing plants. My family knows all about my plant rescues because they’ve been involved in many of them. They often seem to disappear when I start talking about a plant that needs rescuing. If you’re a gardener who loves plants, you know what I’m talking about: someone is getting rid of a plant, or they just can’t take care of it. It’s much like rescuing an animal—you’re rescuing a plant. You might find yourself digging plants out of gardens or discovering plants on the side of the road. For example, I once rescued a plant from my yoga studio that was going to be thrown in the trash, even though it was perfectly good.

Some of the plants you see here are rescues. This one, in particular, was rescued when it was only this tall about a year ago, and you can see it’s doing well now. It’s a Dracaena. While it had some browned leaves when I got it, it’s doing much better now. Another rescue has been with me for about three or four months and also has some browning leaves that have fallen off.

If you’re going to rescue plants, remember that they often have had a hard life, so you need to be patient with them. It’s okay to use scissors to cut off any unhealthy leaves; eventually, these leaves will be replaced. Rescuing plants not only makes you feel better but also helps the plant look and feel better.

When rescuing a plant, keep in mind that it may have pests and diseases. Quarantine the plant in a separate room away from your other plants for at least two months to watch for issues like mealy bugs, scale, or spider mites. This period will also help you determine if the plant has root rot, which is indicated by drooping leaves despite moist soil. If this is the case, repot the plant, gently rinse the roots, and use high-quality organic potting soil with good drainage. Avoid overwatering, which is likely why the plant is suffering in the first place.

After about a month in quarantine, you can repot the plant with high-quality organic soil. Start fertilizing it every four to six weeks with an organic fertilizer, but wait about a month before starting to fertilize. Maintain proper watering and ensure the plant receives the right amount of light—medium light for most plants, or bright light if that’s what they prefer. Even plants that tolerate dim conditions will generally do better with more light.

If you find pests like mealy bugs, scale, or spider mites, treat them before introducing the plant to your other plants. I have a video on an easy way to get rid of mealy bugs as well.

Have patience and enjoy the process. I’m excited about the progress of this plant, which looked really sad when I first rescued it but now has beautiful, shiny, and healthy new foliage. You can save plants and even get your family members involved in plant rescues if you’re lucky.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rescuing Plants

What is plant rescuing?

Plant rescuing involves saving plants that are being discarded or are in poor condition. It’s similar to rescuing animals, where you take in plants that need help and care for them to restore their health.

How can I rescue a plant?

You can rescue plants by taking them from places where they are being thrown away or neglected. This might involve digging them out of gardens, picking them up from the side of the road, or saving them from disposal in places like yoga studios.

What should I do with a rescued plant when I bring it home?

When you bring a rescued plant home, first quarantine it in a separate room away from your other plants for at least two months. This helps to monitor for pests and diseases. Check for issues like mealy bugs, scale, or spider mites. Also, check for root rot and repot the plant if needed using high-quality organic potting soil with good drainage.

How do I know if my rescued plant has root rot?

Root rot is indicated by drooping leaves despite moist soil. If you notice this, it’s important to repot the plant, rinse the roots gently, and ensure you are using a soil with good drainage. Avoid overwatering as this can contribute to root rot.

When should I start fertilizing a rescued plant?

After about a month of quarantine, you can start fertilizing your rescued plant every four to six weeks with an organic fertilizer. It’s best to wait about a month before starting to fertilize to allow the plant to adjust to its new environment.

How can I treat pests on rescued plants?

If you find pests like mealy bugs, scale, or spider mites, treat them before introducing the plant to your other plants. You can use isopropyl alcohol or other recommended treatments. Regularly check the plant and address any pest issues promptly.

What are the best practices for caring for rescued plants?

For rescued plants, maintain proper watering, ensure the plant receives the right amount of light (medium light for most plants, or bright light if that’s what they prefer), and be patient. Monitor the plant for signs of improvement such as new, healthy foliage.

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