I've noticed that when I finally give some long-neglected plants a drink of water, they just seem to die suddenly. Can anyone explain why this happens?
4 Answers
What types of plants are you dealing with? Some can handle neglect better than others.
True, and in the case of cacti or similar plants, the roots might dry out to a point where they can’t handle the sudden influx of water, leading to more rot. It’s definitely a balancing act!
As long as your pots have good drainage and aren’t sitting in water, your plants should be safe. Overwatering is a common mistake, especially after a dry spell!
One reason could be hydrophobic soil. When the soil dries out too much, it can stop retaining water, meaning the roots still can’t properly absorb anything. Alternatively, if you’ve been watering only when absolutely necessary and then suddenly start drenching it, you could flood the soil, leading to root rot. Without specifics on your plant type, that’s about all I can suggest!