Reclaiming Plants from Liquidation: Assessing Their Rescue Potential
In the world of gardening, finding a bargain at the sale rail can be a delightful experience. However, it's essential to know how to care for these plants to ensure they thrive in their new home. Here are some tips and tricks to help you save your sale rail plants.
Firstly, it's crucial to assess the plant's condition before bringing it home. Look for signs of wilting, discolouration, or damage, as these could indicate potential pests or diseases. If you find an infestation, spray the leaves with a soapy water solution - one of the best ways to get rid of aphids naturally.
Another important factor to consider is the soil. If the soil is soggy or waterlogged, the plant may require repotting. Overwatering a plant can be harmful, so it's important to avoid stressing the plant. The process of saving an overwatered plant often involves repotting using fresh potting mix, such as RocketGro Multi Purpose Compost with John Innes, which is a suitable all-rounder for various plants.
When repotting, it's essential to cut away any dead roots and incorporate horticultural grit, like Westland Potting Grit, for added drainage, especially when rescuing a drought-tolerant plant. After repotting, check the soil moisture regularly with your finger. Water the repotted plant again only when the top inch or so feels dry.
Gardening influencer Ish conducted a test in spring 2023 in a TikTok video to check if a plant hanging on a reduction rod could be saved. The test involves assessing the plant's condition by bending a stem to see if it is pliable and fresh rather than dry and brittle, indicating whether it can recover with proper care.
If there's a lot of dead foliage on a clearance plant, it's recommended to cut it away when first brought home. This will help the plant to focus its energy on new growth. Once the plant shows signs of new growth, feed it with plant food to provide extra nutrients.
Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, states that reduced section plants don't necessarily suffer in quality. However, if the soil of a clearance plant is poor or compacted, it's recommended to repot using fresh potting mix.
For added drainage, incorporating horticultural grit can be beneficial, especially when rescuing a drought-tolerant plant. When rehoming a sale rail plant, it's important to remember these simple steps to help your plants flourish in their new environment. Happy gardening!
