Saving an Over-Fertilized Hydrangea: Recovery Steps and Future Feeding

Wilting, browning leaves on one side after heavy fertilizing indicates fertilizer burn. Immediate action can save the plant.

Rescue Steps

1. Flush soil: Deep, repeated watering to leach excess salts.
2. Stop all fertilizer until recovery.
3. Monitor moisture: Keep evenly moist—not soggy.

Correct Fertilizing Going Forward

• Method 1: 10-10-10 at 1 tbsp/plant in April and June. Water in well.
• Method 2 (safer): Single application of Osmocote 14-14-14 in April per label. Slow-release prevents burn.

Key Rules

• Light, frequent > heavy, rare.
• Never fertilize stressed plants.
• Mulch conserves moisture and buffers salts.