Transplant shock causes plants to wilt and droop, but it can be avoided.
Thiscommon plant problemcan affect houseplants, perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and trees.
Fortunately, you could reduce the risk of transplant shock and help shocked plants recover by following these tips.
Credit:Matthew Benson
Often, shock iscaused by repotting,dividing perennialsor houseplants, or disturbing plant roots in another way.
However, most shocked plants just need a bit of TLC and time to overcome the problem.
This includes many root vegetables, crops likecornandsunflowers, and some vining plants.
The only exception to this rule is ifplants are rootboundor suffering from root rot.
In these cases, you’ll need to remove affected roots or gently tease encircling roots apart.
However, these tasks should still be done carefully and with a gentle touch.
Tomatoes are more sensitive to cold than most other crops.
Theyshould only be moved outdoorswhen temperatures are consistently above 55F.
Dont Move Blooming Plants
Flowering takes a lot of energy.
Transplanting or repotting plants while theyre in bloom increases the chances of transplant shock.
To avoid this, enjoy flowers while they last and only transplant your plants when their blooms fade.
You should also slowly acclimate plants to your home beforemoving outdoor plants insidein the fall.
you might taper off watering after the plants are established.
you might also use diluted applications of worm castings orcompost tea.
load the row covers before transplanting and remove them when the plants are established or start to flower.
