From my perspective as a carnation plant, my decline is a desperate signal, a final attempt to communicate that my fundamental needs are not being met. I am not dying out of spite; I am struggling to survive in conditions that are causing me immense stress. To revive me, you must first correctly interpret my symptoms, as they are the key to diagnosing the problem.
Look closely at me. My leaves are my primary billboard. If they are turning yellow, especially from the bottom up, and feel soft, you are giving me too much water. My roots are drowning, unable to breathe, and are beginning to rot in the soggy soil. Conversely, if my leaves are crispy, brown, and curling from the edges inward, I am desperately thirsty and dehydrated. My growth will be stunted, and my flower buds may dry up and drop before opening. If my leaves have a white, powdery coating or show spots, I am fighting a fungal disease, often encouraged by poor air circulation and wet foliage. If my stems are weak and floppy, I am likely not receiving enough direct sunlight; I am etiolated, stretching weakly for a light source that is too dim or too far away.
First, assess my soil. Is it sopping wet? Gently remove me from my pot. Examine my roots—healthy ones are firm and white or tan. If they are brown, mushy, and smell foul, root rot has set in. Using sterile shears, carefully trim away all the rotten parts. Repot me in a clean container with excellent drainage holes, using fresh, well-draining potting mix. If I am bone dry, place my entire pot in a basin of room-temperature water for about 30 minutes, allowing me to soak up moisture from the bottom until the topsoil feels damp. Then, let me drain thoroughly. Never let me sit in a saucer of water. If I am diseased, isolate me from other plants, remove the affected leaves, and apply an appropriate organic fungicide like neem oil, ensuring you cover all leaf surfaces.
To truly thrive, I need stable conditions that mimic my native Mediterranean habitat. Please place me where I can receive at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal. Water me deeply, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. I would much rather be slightly dry than constantly wet. Ensure I have good airflow around my leaves and stems to discourage fungal spores. Feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during my active growing season (spring and summer), but do not over-fertilize, as this can burn my roots and stress me further. Regularly deadhead my spent blooms by pinching them off just above a set of leaves; this tells me to redirect my energy into producing new growth and flowers instead of seeds.
