Transplant shock and plants wilting is typical when moving:
- Potted plants from a small container to a bigger one
- From the greenhouse to the outdoors
- Or transplanting into the garden
Epsom salts come in handy and help roots overcome the transplant shock.
Even when transplanting healthy plants, the shock can make plants become weak and wither. Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate) helps reduce the shock considerably. When preparing the soil, use one cup of Epsom salt per 100 square feet.
Personally, I like to use more of a drench when transplanting than as a foliar spray.
NOTE: Epsom salt is commonly applied to treat magnesium deficiencies.
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6 Tips For Using Epsom Salts When Transplanting
#1 – Fill up the destination point with soil, be it potting containers or the target holes in the garden.
#2 – Water all the plants to be transplanted well before transplanting. Also, water the area and or soil that will hold the new transplants.
#3 – Mix Epsom salts at the ratio of one tablespoon to one gallon of water and saturate. Ensure that the saturation of the transplanting hole is with water before saturating it more with the Epsom fertilizer.
Check out this article on what epsom salt does for roses?
#4 – Remove the plant from the previous location, holding the plant base with a flat hand to ensure that the topsoil does not fall off. Try to make sure the roots are as “undisturbed” as possible.
#5 – Place the plant in the destination hole or container, taking extra care so as not to damage the roots in the process.
#6 – Lightly water the plant with the Epsom salt solution.
Related: How to reduce shock when transplanting hostas.
Why Transplant Shock Occurs and How Epsom Salts Can Help Reduce It
Transplant shock can occur when a plant is uprooted and transplanted to a new location or environment. Plants may experience stress due to changes in:
- Temperature
- Moisture levels
- Nutrient Uptake
- Soil composition
- Exposure to sunlight
- Plant Root mass
These environmental changes can cause plants to go into shock. The shock can lead to problems such as the yellowing of leaves, leaf curling, stunted growth, and wilting.
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) can help reduce transplant shock by providing essential nutrients and nutrient absorption to the plant.
Magnesium is a key component in the makeup and creation of chlorophyll. Increased Chlorophyll production allows plants to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis. It also helps give plants their green color.
Epsom salt contains sulfur, an essential building block for plant cell walls. Sulfur is also important for the production of amino acids.
When applied as a foliar spray or as a soil additive, Epsom salt can help plants recover from transplant shock by:
- Improving their ability to absorb vital nutrients
- Promoting healthy growth
- Reducing the risk of disease
NOTE: Epsom salts can help improve seed germination. Use Epsom salt in moderation. Follow the package instructions. Excessive use can lead to nutrient imbalances and other problems.