Question
Hello - I just repotted my GDC. It had been having issues with
Aphids so I removed it from the soil and washed it. I did this in
the late evening and ended up not having enough soil to repot
As I had just repotted all my household plants. So it was left
overnight out of water and soil. Needless to say it was pretty
wilted and limp the next morning when I was able to repot it.
I'm just wondering if it's possibly that it will survive this or not?
Also is there anything I can do to help it recover?
Thank you for your help!
Becky

Answer
Hi Becky,

Plants often surprise me with their ability to survive horrible conditions, so I do not want to rule out all hope. However, removing all or most of the soil from a plant's roots is extremely stressful and not recommended. Of course, exposing fragile roots to the open air for more than an hour or so can also easily cause roots to shrivel and die.

My advice would be to cut off the topmost section of your Dieffenbachia, just below the lowest healthy leaves. Then root that cutting in a small pot filled with damp potting mix. This will give your plant a fresh start so it is not reliant on the recovery of the existing damaged roots.

BTW, aphids live and feed on plant leaves, not in the soil or around the roots so replacing the soil would have no effect on aphids.

I have written an article on Dieffenbachia care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com