Mint is an aromatic, versatile herb that is a staple in many gardens. Its refreshing flavor and fragrance make it popular for culinary uses, teas, potpourri and more. But sometimes mint plants can take a turn for the worse and appear dead or dying. Knowing how to diagnose a struggling or dead mint plant is key to saving it or starting over.
Signs Your Mint May Be Dead
There are a few key signs that indicate your mint plant has expired and is dead
- All stems and leaves are dried out and brittle
- Mint stems snap easily when bent
- Leaves are shriveled and brown
- No new green growth or shoots visible
- Roots are black, rotting or hollow
- Strong foul odor from plant
If your mint plant exhibits these traits it is likely dead and not coming back. Time to replace it. But other issues may mimic a dead plant, so further diagnosis is needed.
Reasons Mint Plants Die
Various factors can contribute to the decline and death of a once thriving mint plant Common causes include
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Underwatering – Mint needs consistent moisture. Too little water causes leaves to dry and curl.
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Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root rot and fungal issues.
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Harsh sunlight – Mint thrives in partial shade locations. Too much hot sun burns leaves.
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Freezing temps – Cold snaps can damage leaves and sometimes kill the plant.
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Nutrient deficiency – Lack of nitrogen causes yellowing leaves and poor growth.
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Pests – Spider mites, aphids and other bugs can infest and weaken mint.
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Diseases – Mint rust, verticillium wilt and other diseases may infect the plant.
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Pot bound – Restricted roots unable to grow will choke out the plant.
Identify any factors that may have impacted your mint to pinpoint the underlying cause of its demise. This can help prevent it from happening again.
Reviving a Stressed Mint Plant
If your mint plant shows signs of stress like wilting, spotty leaves or minimal new growth, it may still be salvageable. Take these revival steps:
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Cut away any dead or diseased growth down to the healthy parts.
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Transplant rootbound mint into a larger pot with fresh soil.
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Treat pests or diseases with organic sprays.
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Move pot to a shadier area out of intense sun.
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Water thoroughly and let drain well to hydrate plant.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Prune back damaged leaves and stems to stimulate new growth.
With quick intervention, you can often rescue a mint plant and bring it back to life. But if most of the plant is dead already, replacement may be your only option.
Tips for Growing Healthy Mint
Follow these best practices to keep your mint thriving for years:
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Plant in rich, well-draining soil amended with compost
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Site in a partially shaded spot protected from hot afternoon sun
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Irrigate 1-2 inches per week checking soil moisture regularly
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Pinch off flowering stems to promote leafy growth
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring or fall
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Monitor for pests and treat immediately if found
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Remove faded foliage and deadhead spent blooms often
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Fertilize with organic plant food or compost tea monthly
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Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
With proper care, homegrown mint will abundantly provide harvests for your kitchen. A bit of effort goes a long way.
Starting Over with a New Mint Plant
If your mint has ultimately passed away, restarting with a fresh plant is simple. You have a few options:
- Purchase a new plant from your local nursery
- Take a cutting from a friend’s mint plant to root
- Dig up and divide a healthy mint clump
- Start mint from seeds (slower process)
Choose a variety like peppermint or spearmint suited for your cooking needs. Plant in a container with new potting mix and follow the growing tips above.
Position the replacement mint plant in the garden spot vacated by the previous one. Soon you will once again have delicious mint ready for harvesting.
Don’t let a dead mint plant dishearten you. With knowledge of mint’s care needs and potential problems, you can successfully regrow this versatile herb. Pay close attention to its health and intervene at the first signs of decline. Your diligent efforts will be rewarded with vibrant mint.
Uninvited Guests: Pest Infestations
Pests can turn a thriving Sweet Mint into a withering mess. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies are the usual suspects. These tiny invaders are not just annoying; theyre harmful. They suck the life out of plants, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped critters that cling to the undersides of leaves. They come in various colors, including white, yellow, or green. Their presence is often betrayed by a sticky residue they leave behind.
Spider mites are even smaller, almost microscopic. They spin fine webs on your Sweet Mint, which is a dead giveaway. Look for yellow speckles on leaves; thats where theyve been feasting.
Whiteflies are tiny, moth-like insects that congregate on the underside of leaves. Watch for a cloud of tiny white bugs that fly away when you move the plant. That will let you know they’re there.
Combat these pests with a spritz of neem oil or insecticidal soap. These treatments are effective and environmentally friendly. Use a damp cloth or a light spray of water to wipe down the leaves or, for a more hands-on method, move the pests’ home.
Fungus Among Us: Mold and Fungus Growth
People often don’t notice that mold and fungus have taken over Sweet Mint until they’ve had a big party with spores. Look for yellow spots that progress to tan with yellow halos, a clear sign of fungal invasion. Along with fuzzy or powdery growths, you may also see signs that warn you not to go there.
How To Restore A Mint Plant
FAQ
Will mint come back after it dies?
How do you save a dying mint plant?
Why is my mint plant dying?
Your Mint plant might be dying due to an unsuitable growing medium, overwatering, selecting an inappropriate mint species, or facing issues from pests and diseases. Addressing these specific issues can ensure your mint thrives. 1. Wrong Growing Medium Mint has a bad rep for being a difficult herb to grow. But that’s not entirely true.
How do you know if a mint plant is dead?
Your mint should be a vigorous mass of clumping stems and runners. If they break away when touched this is a sign your plant is dead or dying. If there is no surviving growth hiding in at the base it’s game over for your poor mint. First, let’s work out what’s killing off your mint.
Is mint dying out of a pot?
Mint is one of those unkillable plants that every so often likes to surprise by up and dying out of the blue. One minute it’s threatening to climb out of its pot and take over your kitchen, and the next it’s turning to mulch.
What should I do if my mint plant is dying?
The first thing you’ll want to do is to identify the particular reason why your plant is dying. If the cause is overwatering, then try to cut back on the frequency and amount of water. If the cause is a bug, identify the bug and employ a suitable pest control technique. How long does it take to revive a dying mint plant?
Does overwatering a mint plant kill a plant?
On the other hand, overwatering the soil can also kill your mint plants. When you overwater a plant the roots feel suffocated. As a result the plant wilts. Keeping the soil moist is one of the best ways you can revive your dying mints. The soil conditions can be different depending on various locations.
Do mint plants wilt?
Mint plants thrive in moist soils and can wilt quickly if the soil dries out and it is one of the first plants in the garden to wilt in hot climates or during drought. Therefore mint grows best when it is watered regularly and planted in soil or a potting mix that retains moisture.