From our perspective as a geranium plant, we do not wish to perish. Our decline is a distress signal, a communication that our fundamental needs are not being met. If you wish to revive us, you must listen and act quickly. Here is what we need you to do, explained from our point of view.
First, you must understand why we are suffering. Gently lift us from our pot and examine our root system. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. If they are dark, mushy, and smell foul, we are victims of root rot from overwatering. Conversely, if the roots are brittle, dry, and shriveled, we are severely dehydrated. Also, inspect our leaves and stems. Yellowing leaves often signal water stress, while brown, crispy edges plead for humidity. Pale leaves or leggy growth indicate a desperate need for more sunlight.
If our roots are rotting, you must perform emergency surgery. Carefully remove the old, soggy soil and, with sterile shears, trim away all soft, dark roots. Please be gentle with our healthy roots. Repot us in a clean container with adequate drainage holes, using a fresh, well-draining potting mix. A blend designed for us or with added perlite is ideal. This new environment gives our remaining roots the air and stability we need to recover. If we were simply rootbound, a slightly larger pot will feel like a much-needed stretch.
Water is life, but it must be given correctly. After repotting, water us thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened. Then, the most crucial rule: allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. We abhor wet feet. Do not fertilize us while we are in this critical state. Our system is too weak to process those nutrients, and it would scorch our tender, recovering roots. Once you see new growth, you can begin a diluted, half-strength fertilizer to support our comeback.
Place us in a location where we can receive abundant bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is perfect. We need this energy to photosynthesize and fuel our recovery. Please protect us from harsh, direct afternoon sun that can scorch our already stressed leaves. Also, keep us away from drafts—both cold blasts from windows and dry heat from vents. A consistent, comfortable temperature is what we crave to focus our energy on healing.
To help us, you must remove the parts we can no longer sustain. Using clean, sharp scissors, prune away all dead, yellow, and brown leaves and any soft, mushy stems. Also, trim back any excessively long, leggy stems by up to one-third. This redirects our precious energy away from trying to maintain dying tissue and towards producing new, healthy roots and shoots. Do not be afraid; this is a kindness that allows us to regenerate.
