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Can Plants Recover From Transplant Shock?

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Transplant shock is a common problem when moving plants from one location to another. For a new gardener, it can be disheartening to see your plants wilt and stress after all your hard work. But the good news is that, with the right treatment, plants can recover from transplant shock and go on to thrive in their new home.

Transplanting seedling

Even if your plants look like they’re beyond hope, it’s worth giving them a chance to recover. With a little care and attention, you may be surprised at how quickly they bounce back. Plants can be quite resilient!

What is transplant shock and what causes it?

When a plant is transplanted, it undergoes a period of adaptation as it adjusts to its new surroundings. This process can be stressful for the plant, and may cause stunted growth. The plant may also experience what is known as transplant shock.

Transplant shock is a condition that results from the plant being stressed during the transplanting process. The plant may lose leaves or buds, and its growth may be stunted. You may also see discoloration of the leaves, wilting, or drooping. Many of these symptoms are normal in their mildest form and should be expected after a plant is transplanted.

Can plants recover from transplant shock?

Yes, plants can recover from transplant shock. This is because plants are able to adapt to new environments. In fact, transplant shock is normal. When a plant is transplanted, it goes through a period of adjustment as it acclimates to its new surroundings.

During this time, the plant may experience some stress and exhibit some symptoms of transplant shock. However, with a little care and attention, the plant will eventually recover and continue to grow.

Keep in mind that some plants are more susceptible to transplant shock. For example, peppers and broccoli plants may need 3 or more weeks to recover after transplanting. Tomatoes, on the other hand, tend to acclimate quickly after moving to a new location.

How to minimize transplant shock in your plants

There are several steps you can take to minimize transplant shock in your plants. These include:

  • Choosing the right time to transplant: The best time to transplant depends on the plant. You’ll want to transplant when the plant has outgrown its container and is ready to be moved into a larger pot or outside. Checking the roots on a regular basis can help determine if the plant is ready. You do not want your plants to become root-bound. (This is when the roots begin to circle around the container and tangle).
  • Getting the plant ready for transplanting: You will want to pay attention to the roots of the plant you are transplanting. Unless the plant is severely root-bound, you will want to be extra gentle as to not disturb the root ball. Tease the root ball gently to help them establish in their new container.
  • Transplanting the plant: When you’re ready to transplant, be sure to dig a hole that is deep enough for the root ball. This will give the roots room to spread out and establish themselves.
  • Watering the plant: After transplanting, water the plant well and continue to water it regularly. This will help the plant to recover from transplant shock and establish itself in its new home.
  • Lighting: Proper lighting is important for all plants, but it is especially important for transplanted plants. Be sure to provide the plant with enough light so that it can continue to grow.
  • Fertilizing the plant: Fertilizing the plant will also help it to recover from transplant shock and establish itself in its new home. Depending on the plant, fertilizer guidelines will vary.
  • Monitoring the plant: Once you’ve transplanted the plant, be sure to monitor it for signs of transplant shock. These include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. If you see these signs, be sure to give the plant extra care and attention.
Seedlings in seed tray

Aftercare for transplanted plants

When it comes to aftercare for your transplanted plants, the most important thing is to be patient. It may take some time for the plant to recover from transplant shock. It is especially important to monitor the plant for signs of transplant shock during the first few weeks after transplanting.

However, there is no need to rush the process. Just be sure to give the plant the care and attention it needs, and it will eventually recover and thrive in its new home.

The benefits of using transplants in your garden

When you transplant a plant, you are essentially giving it a fresh start. This can be beneficial for a number of reasons. First of all, it can help the plant to recover from any type of stress or damage that it may have sustained in its previous location.

Transplanting to a larger body of soil also encourages new growth. This usually leads to a larger plant, and an improved overall yield.

The biggest benefit of using transplants over direct-sowing is that you save space in the garden. Seedlings can take weeks to grow from seed. During that time, you can have other, larger plants in your garden where you would otherwise waste space with tiny seedlings.

Do some plants transplant better than others?

Some plants transplant better than others. If you need to start your seeds indoors, be sure to take this into consideration.

Vegetables and flowers that transplant well: Peppers, tomatoes, chard, spinach, kale, lettuce

Vegetables and flowers that do not transplant well: Carrots, beets, melons, peas, beans, squash, snapdragons

Every year, we grow a wide variety of plants from seed. We start them indoors under grow lights, and then transplant them into the garden when the weather warms up. We have had great success with this method, and it allows us to grow a wide variety of plants that we would not be able to find at the nursery.

Every year, we see some of our seedlings undergo transplant shock. However, we have found that with a little extra TLC, they eventually recover and go on to thrive in the garden.

Coraline Jones

Friday 28th of July 2023

I transplanted 3 dahlias from their pots into a large rectangular container (6 days ago), 2 are doing fine but the third is pathetic. It's all wilty, the leaves have changed color, etc. I deadheaded most of the blooms so they wouldn't draw any energy away but it hasn't helped. The container has plenty of drainage with plenty of holes & I covered the bottom with pieces of coconut coir. I used half organic soil & half moisture control soil (both by Miracle Gro). I just don't understand what is going on. Is that particular plant a goner? Should I just remove it from the container? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Geeky Greenhouse

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Some plants can take transplanting harder than others. I can't be sure exactly what is going on other than shock or potential tuber rot from the moisture control soil (though your other plants are okay, so hard to blame the soil mixture). I would say avoid watering and see if the plant starts putting out any new growth in the coming weeks