So, is it actually possible to salvage and revive suffering hanging baskets? Of course it is!
Recognizing the particular problem and acting quickly to address it are the keys to success. And when it comes to hanging baskets, those problems are typically attributable to a stressed-out and overgrown root system.
The good news is that it’s less difficult to fix than you may anticipate. even for growers who are new. And before you know it, those plants will be flourishing and blossoming!
Diagnosing The ProblemHow To Save A Struggling Hanging Basket
Make sure your plant is not merely suffering from a lack of care as a first step. Whether it be a surplus or deficit of nutrients, or both.
Applying the proper amount of fertilizer and watering according to a set, regular schedule will readily solve such problems. (See: Hanging Basket Fertilization Tips For Success)
But in many situations, even the best-maintained hanging baskets start to deteriorate quickly by the start of the summer. Furthermore, no amount of fertilizer or water will be of any assistance to these plants.
Undoubtedly, it can be frustrating. Particularly for gardeners who have put in a lot of effort to tend to their plants.
Mid-Summer Hanging Basket Failure
Early to mid-summer, when a well-kept plant suddenly starts to lose its beauty, an undersized container with growing roots is nearly always to blame.
It is nearly impossible for a plant’s roots to absorb water or nutrients once they have coiled up firmly.
Water simply flows through the basket when this occurs. As well as any fertilizers that are used on the plant. Unfortunately, no amount of soaking will, at this point, enable the plant to absorb enough of either to flower, let alone endure for a long time.
When hanging baskets are bought in the early spring from nurseries and greenhouses, this is actually pretty typical.
These plants are grown as early as December in order to make them showy and beautiful for clients. And by the middle of the summer, they had simply outgrown their container.
However, whatever you do, don’t get rid of that plant! Despite the fact that it might appear hopeless, there are two straightforward ways to revive your plants’ flowering.
How frequently should hanging plants be watered?
Watering plants correctly is essential, especially in the heat. Check the amount, frequency, and timing of your recommended irrigation.
When should I give them water? The morning is the optimum time to water your containers so they have time to absorb the moisture before the intense heat of the day. Additionally, plants absorb water more quickly in the morning.
How frequently ought I to water them? You should water your potted plants and hanging baskets every day throughout the summer heat. You might need to water your plants more than once on hot, windy, or muggy days. Additionally, you might not even need to water on wet days.
How much water should I dispense all at once to them? Water your hanging baskets and other containers until the bottoms of the containers start to leak water. Repeat this procedure a few times if the soil is completely dry and the water drains through the bottom fairly quickly.
How can I tell if I am watering my plants too much or too little? Given how similar the symptoms of over- and under-watering are, this can be challenging (yellowing of foliage). Use the finger test before watering since it is the best course of action. If the soil is damp when you stick one or two fingers into it, don’t water. Water it away if it’s dry.
Can hanging baskets be revived?
Are your hanging baskets and container plants looking for a means to be revived, renewed, and given new life?
Many hanging baskets and potted plants bought in the spring start to exhibit severe indications of wear and tear as late summer approaches. What was once a happy, flourishing plant has changed into a sad, struggling plant.
The foliage is losing its leaves, and the lovely blooms that previously covered it are now few. Additionally, irrigation is essentially impossible because it simply passes through the roots.
All of the aforementioned symptoms are typical of hanging basket and container plants that are old, root-bound, and out of control. And at this point, the plant will keep losing efficiency no matter what you do.
But hold on—all is not lost! There is a method to give those shabby planters and baskets a stunning second life before you throw them out on the curb. And it’s simpler than you might think!
A Simple Solution For Saving Worn Out Hanging Baskets & Container Plants
While you can always replant baskets and potted plants into bigger containers, there are occasions when that is just not an option or a practical solution.
Finding containers large enough to work with a plant that is already enormous might be challenging. Even if you do, filling with all that potting soil can be expensive and time-consuming.
And are you really going to exert that much work on plants when they only have a short time left before the first frost?
However, there is a straightforward, inexpensive approach to give your tattered hanging baskets and overgrown container plants more vitality. And we have been using it here on the farm for years to bring vibrant late-season color for nothing!
Replant those old baskets right into your flowerbeds and landscaping to give them new life rather than dumping them on the compost pile. The fresh area and soil will not only revitalize your drooping plants but also add a vibrant burst of color to perennial bed spaces for the remainder of the growing season.
You’ll be astounded by how big and lovely those potted plants can once more grow!
The Secret To Transplanting Success
Worn-out root-bound baskets and planters can find the room and nutrients they need to grow healthy once more by being replanted directly into the ground.
Start by excavating a hole that is around 50% bigger than the potted plant’s current root ball. Remove the plant from the original basket, being careful to gently separate the edges where the roots are intertwined.
This will make it easier for the plant’s roots to find their way into fresh soil and replenish nutrients. Give the roots a good bath in water before planting to rehydrate them.
Fill the bottom of the new hole with compost before replanting, then mix equal parts soil and compost around the perimeter. The worn-out hanging basket plants will have an easy time establishing new roots thanks to the loose, nutrient-rich soil.
Finish by giving the plant a hearty dose of liquid fertilizer. It will quickly absorb the nutrients to fast return back to life because it is established and developed. See also: 4 Effective Liquid Organic Fertilizers!
For the first week, until the roots have had a chance to become re-established, water regularly or even twice daily. Your old hanging basket will quickly come back to life in a stunning display of color.
Apply a light granular or liquid fertilizer once a week to keep the annuals blooming large until the end of the season. Your plants will give you thanks by blooming again! Organics granular fertilizer product link
Here’s to giving your old planters and hanging baskets a second chance this summer! Gardening success! Mary and Jim
How may an overwatered hanging basket be identified?
Nothing enhances the appearance of a front entrance or patio in the summer like stunning hanging baskets filled to the brim with vibrant flowers and leaves. You might believe that choosing which one to bring home is the hardest part because there are so many different colors and varieties to choose from! However, after it has been hung and is being enjoyed by you and your neighbors, you must begin considering how to take care of your new hanging basket, particularly when determining how much water they require.
Not to worry! Since I’ve been raising hanging baskets for more than 20 years, I can provide you with all the advice you need to keep it flourishing all summer long.
How Much Water Does My Hanging Basket Need?
Now let’s be honest. Your hanging basket needs a lot of water to survive those sweltering summer days because he is a thirsty little fellow. An established 12″ or 14″ hanging basket will typically require 1 gallon of water per watering. (Better get those arm muscles developing!) You might not need to water your hanging basket every day if the weather is colder in the spring or fall. You might need to water your plants twice a day when the temperature rises to the 25–40°C range, in addition to every day.
Make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil each time you water. To ensure that the water has permeated the soil completely, at least 10% of the water should drain out of the pot’s bottom. Your plants will receive sufficient moisture as a result to withstand the heat of the day. (You wouldn’t put off drinking water until you got home from the beach, would you?) If you don’t want the area around your front doorway to get wet, take your basket off its hook before watering it.
Pro tip Less water will be required for newly planted hanging baskets since young plants need time to establish roots. Instead of flooding the soil, you should only use roughly half the volume of the pot (2 liters for a 12–14” pot) while watering fresh baskets. Why? The roots have to look for water in order to grow. The tops will develop and you will notice the growth of foliage and flowers after the roots have gotten big enough to touch the edge of the pot.
What Time of Day Should I Water My Hanging Basket?
Morning is the optimum time of day to water your hanging basket, ideally between 5 and 9 am. This makes sure that your plants have access to enough water and can remain hydrated even during the warmest parts of the day. Watering in the evening is absolutely not preferred because plants detest having damp roots when they go to sleep. One cannot blame them!
If you need to give your hanging baskets a second watering on a very hot day, try to do it between 4 and 5 o’clock, but not later.
Less water will be required for newly planted hanging baskets since young plants need time to establish roots. Instead of flooding the soil, you should only use around half the volume of the pot (2 litres for a 12–14” pot). Why? The roots have to look for water in order to grow. The tops will develop and you will notice the growth of foliage and flowers after the roots have gotten big enough to touch the edge of the pot.
How Can I Tell When My Hanging Basket Needs Water?
Put your hand on the pot’s bottom and lift it up a little to determine whether or not your hanging baskets need water. If the soil is dry or still damp, you may tell by the weight of the pot. In order to ensure that your plants have appropriate moisture, if it lifts easily, you probably need to add additional water.
Before watering, make careful to take the rain spout off the watering can’s tip, if it has one. This enables you to thoroughly water the soil and get the tip within the plants. To prevent getting the leaves overly moist, avoid watering from above the basket. Otherwise, the flowers and foliage in your hanging basket will develop dark blotches.
Should I Fertilize My Hanging Baskets?
Absolutely! Your hanging baskets require fertilizers in order to grow and thrive, just like all of your potted plants. They require a constant supply of food because they can consume all the nutrients in their soil in a matter of weeks. Because it is simple to use and guarantees that the roots can receive the nutrients, I advise using water soluble fertilizer.
For my hanging baskets, I always use a 15-30-15 with micronutrients. You can either use it every other watering at full power or, in my opinion, every other watering at half strength.
Pro tip Don’t fertilize again until the soil has absorbed enough fresh water to become soft and the plants have perked up if you have neglected to water your baskets to the point where they are bone dry and the plants are wilting. After that, you can carry on with your regular fertilization routine.
The most crucial component of caring for a hanging basket is water. A consistent watering regimen along with fertilizer will guarantee a lovely flowering and flourishing basket all season long. Enjoy your hanging baskets this summer and we hope these ideas and tricks were helpful to your plants!
How may an overwatered hanging basket be saved?
- Even if your plant need full sun, move it to a dark spot. Dead or dying leaves should be removed. These ought should be simple to identify.
- Make sure your pot has adequate drainage, and if you can, add more space around the roots. The root zone will be able to receive oxygen as a result. Keep just the healthy roots and cut off any dead or dying ones.
- Do not let the soil become overly dry; just water when the soil seems dry to the touch. At this point, you should also stop fertilizing the plant altogether until it is healthy again.
- Use a fungicide to treat.
The ability of your plant to recover from overwatering is never guaranteed. Within a week or so, you should start to notice results if your plant survives. You can now return your plant to its original spot and continue watering it as usual.
It’s critical to provide your plants with adequate drainage and regular watering from the beginning. Choosing plants that are less susceptible to difficulties from excessive watering may be the best course of action if, despite your best efforts, you tend to overwater plants.
How can hanging plants be prevented from drying out?
How can I keep my hanging baskets from drying out?
- Better is bigger.
- Wrap in plastic.
- Utilize a soil mixture that holds water.
- The top soil layer should be covered.
- Use a watering can made of plastic.
- Pick your crops wisely.
- Feed consistently.
- Regularly check for irrigation.