Asked on Jun 17, 2020

How to revive sage plant?

Kelsey Schaefer
by Kelsey Schaefer

Anyone know what's going on with my sage plant? the leaves are turning a little purpleish brown and i'm not getting big beautiful leaf growth anymore. they're a little wilty. thanks!!

  13 answers
  • It could be a few things. It could be a fungal infection, or it could just be old. Here's a link with more information:

    https://www.hunker.com/12492000/why-is-my-sage-plant-wilting

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jun 17, 2020

    Hello. Could it be gray mold?

    Here is a link for your review.


    https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/gray-mold-flower-garden

  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 17, 2020

    Hi Kelsey. Is there a chance that your sage plant met with a frost? The purple/brown colors are generally what happens to plants with frost. I lost an entire garden to frost a few years back. Had to replant all new plants. Try gently pinching off any dead leaves. Good luck Kelsey. Hoping all is well with you.

  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Jun 17, 2020

    Hi Kelsey, sorry you are having problems with your sage. I hope this information helps you grow a beautiful plant. Growing Tips for Herbs: Why is My Sage Dying?

    www.motherearthliving.com › in-the-garden › growing...


    May 7, 2009 - A: Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a member of Labiatae or the mint family. This herb is a fairly resilient herb, so it can bear a trial-and-error gardening ...

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jun 17, 2020

    Hi! I would re-pot it in some fresh soil, cut it back, water it and give a chance to bounce back. Plants can be amazingly resilient. Have you changed it's location, lighting, etc., recently? Good luck and stay safe!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 18, 2020

    Hello there,

    I would take it out of it's pot, check the soil for any bugs etc. split the plant and pot pieces up in new compost/soil, water and wait. You could find you have more than one healthy plant in the end! Best wishes......

  • Rymea Rymea on Jun 18, 2020

    It might be over watered. Don't water it until the top inch of soil is dry and then water until the water runs out the bottom of the pot. Indoors, once a week is probably enough.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Jun 18, 2020

    fungal issues transplant roots into clean dry soil and cut off damaged tops to ground level throw out all contaminated foliage( in bag in garbage so you do not contaminate pants soil ) then let it dry out extremely well between watering & needs good drainage as well. only water early in day and do not water on the leaves/foliage soil only. it should regrow just fine full bright sun

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Jun 18, 2020

    I'd cut off the dead bits to help it focus it's growth on the healthy parts

  • Janice Janice on Jun 18, 2020

    I agree with Cynthia. It may just be depleted due to old soil. I don't think it has been over watered as I was always told over-watering usually results in yellowing limp leaves. Probably best to repot in fresh new potting soil and take care and give it special attention for a month and perhaps it'll renew itself.

  • Ouina Ouina on Jun 20, 2020

    Looks like over watering. (I am a horticulturist with 40 years experience.) Good advice above but I would also do the following:


    • when/if you repot, place some small rock/stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage before repotting. (This is good for any plant you are planting in a pot inside or out.) This ensures good drainage for the plant.
    • do not let the pot sit in water when you water. If you are using a saucer outdoors, flip the saucer over and sit the pot on top of the saucer. When you water thoroughly, water will flush the soil and run out. It will be difficult to over-water. If you are growing indoors, use some decorative stones in the saucer and place the pot on top of the stones/rocks. Water the plant in the sink when the soil is dry to your second knuckle (good rule of thumb when watering), let the water drain away and then place back on top of the small stones. This way if there is any water still dripping out, you won't be keeping the plants roots wet/soggy. Sage does not like "wet feet".


    If it's not overwatering, it could be spider mites or other insect/pest damage. I can't tell from the photo. But if I had to make an educated guess, I would assume overwatering - soggy soil resulting in "wet feet" and rotting the roots.


    Lots of luck!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jun 20, 2020

    I am sorry that you have problem with that ..but try this pin ...it worked for me ... good luck https://www.pinterest.com/pin/35325178297156577/

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Jun 22, 2020

    It looks like it needs water but it could be pot bound. Try transplanting it into a larger pot with new soil.