Rose Dickens
ENG 101-55
July 1, 2009
Essay One
653 words
Three Ways to Nurse a Dying Houseplant Back to Life
When initially brought home, the houseplant was green and vibrant. It might have even been blooming. Now, a few months later, it looks as though it had survived a hurricane. The leaves looking wilted have brown or yellow spots on them. Perhaps the poor plant has lost most of its leaves altogether. No longer looking strong and regal, it has developed a very sickly appearance. The plant looks as though it is on the brink of death. For there are three main reasons your plant may be on the verge of its demise, it could be that it is being incorrectly watered, it could need transplanting, or locating it to a new setting is necessary. How much water to give a houseplant can be one of the most frustrating aspects to its owner. When a plant gets too much water, it causes the leaves to turn an ugly yellow color. The opposite is true when we tend to withhold watering for too long. This causes the leaves to turn brown and dried out. Most plants need watered once every couple of weeks, but then there are those who prefer a more arid soil. The cactus plant is one that rarely needs watering. Of course, there is always a lush in the group. A fern cannot seem to get enough water and would prefer a daily misting. Some plants such as the African Violet cannot tolerate water on its leaves.
Sometimes adjusting the watering intervals and rate at which the water is given does not seem to help revive the ill-looking specimen. The next step to try to remedy the situation would be by repotting the plant. The roots can no longer grow when a plant becomes root bound. In essence, the plant is actually suffocating. Being cramped up in a small space is not beneficial for its growth. When a plant is repotted it regains its freedom. Once the roots are able to grow, it will reward