How to rejuvenate an indoor plant that has been left outside?

Question

I rescued an indoor plant from the outdoors, some of the leaves have gone yellow and the little flowers have gone brown, do I remove the yellow leaves and brown flowers? I'm not sure what kind of a plant it is. Thanks.

Answer 1

I would remove any leaves or flowers that have gone yellow/brown, or are on their way, but make sure to leave some greener ones for sure, as the plant will need them for photosynthesis. I would probably gently repot the plant, in some decent potting soil with vermiculite (little white particles that create space within the soil for airation/keep the soil from compacting) if you can. Water the plant, but not too much, difficult to say when not knowing what kind of plant it is. Under or overwatering can cause leaves to yellow, as can too much plant food. Of course, it could've been burned by the sun bing outside like it was. Plants don't like fast and drastic temperature changes, so maybe put the plant in a bright spot inside, and see how it does. If it has very few leaves, and tons of stem, and is pretty "leggy" you could try "pinching it back", take the small leaves off the end, that usually stimulates the plant to grow leaves along the stem closer to the roots. You could also take some "cuttings", and put them in water, and if they root, plant them back into the plant itself, or make some smaller, new ones. It depends again on the kind of plant it is. If and when (let's think postively) this lucky plant starts to recover, perhaps feed it a little - I've used miracle gro (read package directions) or those little Jobe plant food spikes. Of course, a little kind talk, maybe some nice music never hurt anybody. There is a lot of information on the internet regarding plants, I'm sure, with just a bit of research, you could find a picture of it, and some specific help for the plant. Then there's the good old library, or maybe a trip to the nursery to ask somebody up close and personal (and maybe get it a friend!). LOL Good luck! And thanks for rescuing the plant, some people would've left it for dead. You are a plant angel!

Answer 2

Remove the flowers but let the leaves alone. Let them drop off naturally. Plants seal the place where leaves were connected (like a scar) before leaves fall off to prevent diseases and insect damage. If you take them off early this protection isn't there. Also do not fertilize until the plant seems to be recovered and only water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Keep it out of drafts and since you don't know what it is keep it where it is bright but not in direct sunlight.