Is it possible to retrieve a dry snapdragon? This plant is not only pretty, but it grows quickly and can become the great protagonist of your garden. That is why we are so sad when we see that it begins to dry up. Luckily, if we act soon, we can save her.
Pay attention and take good note of the advice that we are going to give you, because thanks to them you can save a plant that we are convinced is one of your favorites. Don't give it all up yet, because it can be as beautiful as before.
Snapdragon, the plant that fills your garden with life
La Antirrhinus major, also known as dragon, snapdragon, or bunny, is a plant that regrows year after year and gives your garden an exotic air and lots of vibrant colors, because there are so many different varieties. From it we can highlight the following:
- Mouth-shaped flowers. Hence its name, and it is that its flowers have an opening that reminds us a bit of the jaws of a dragon. In fact, if you squeeze the sides of the flower, the mouth it opens.
- Variety of colors In pink, white, orange, purple... and even more than one color at a time. This plant can have very varied colors in its flowers.
- Shape. This is a species that grows vertically and can reach more than 60 cm in height (depending on the variety). Its pointed, lanceolate leaves grow along the stem, which is crowned with a bouquet of flowers.
- Crop. They are very popular plants in gardening because they grow both in the ground and in pots. They love sunlight and do not need much care. In addition, they produce seeds with which we can continue filling our garden with this variety.
- Pollinator attraction. The snapdragon is an excellent ally in the care of your garden, because it is responsible for attracting pollinating insects.
Dry snapdragon, why can it happen?
It is important to know the cause that is causing our plant to wither, because that way we will have a better chance of moving it forward.
If you notice that your snapdragon is not as beautiful as before, don't let it go and start looking for the cause to apply a solution later.
Lack of water
Without a doubt, this is the most common reason for a plant to dry out. The snapdragon likes to have the substrate always with a little humidity, but well drained. If the soil is excessively dry for a long time, the flowers and stems will begin to wither.
Excess of water
It is as bad to water little as to do it very frequently. If your plant receives excessive watering, the roots will rot, and you will see the flowers wither and the leaves turn yellow.
Environmental conditions
Whether it is very cold or too hot, the plant can look affected in their growth and in its bloom. It is normal for you to see it with a dry appearance.
inadequate fertilization
As we have said on several occasions, providing fertilizer is something that we should always do wisely. If you apply more than recommended, you can burn the roots.
Diseases and pests
Like all plants, snapdragons are prone to pests and diseases. Thrips, for example, can cause the plant to become weak and eventually dry out.
Lifecycle
This is a plant that has an annual or biennial life cycle, depending on the variety. Exhausted itself, it is normal for it to wither. In this case, you can collect the seeds and enjoy it again in the following season.
How to recover a dry snapdragon?
If the plant is already completely withered, you will not be able to do anything to recover it. But if you still have some green parts, there is reason to hope.
The first thing you have to do is try to find the cause the appearance of the snapdragon. However, there are a series of tips that, in general terms, usually give good results:
- Pruning. Eliminate those parts of the plant that are dry and withered. For now there will be a little ugly, but it will regrow, don't worry.
- Irrigation. Insert your finger into the substrate, if it is very dry, it is likely that your plant lacks water. Start a regular watering routine, but without flooding. If excessive moisture is the problem, consider digging up the plant, allowing the roots to dry out, and then moving it back into place.
- Fertilization. If you have not contributed fertilizer to your plants, do so in moderation. This will give it more nutrients and improve its growth.
- Change of substrate and pot. If the pot is small, consider transferring your snapdragon to a larger one. On the other hand, if the substrate has been around for a while, it is possible that it no longer has any nutrients left, you can change it for a new one.
- Seed collection. If the problem is that the plant has exhausted its life cycle, make sure you collect the seeds to plant them the next season.
A dry snapdragon is recoverable or not depending on the circumstances that caused the problem and how quickly you act. Although it is a shame to lose a plant, think that this experience will help you take better care of your plants in the future.
If the plant has died, you can discard it responsibly and help the rest of the varieties you have in your garden. You can compost it and thus turn it into fertilizer. However, if the reason that the plant has dried up has been an infection by insects or a disease, it is best that you get rid of it by throwing it away.
Recovering a dry snapdragon is possible if you act on time. We hope these tips help you get your plant looking as pretty as before. Have you had problems with this strain? How have you solved them? Tell us in the comments.