How to Tell If a Plant Is Still Alive: The Scratch Test Guide

When a plant looks dry, wilted, or leafless, it's easy to assume it's beyond saving. But appearances can be deceiving—your plant may still be alive beneath the surface. One of the most reliable ways to check? The scratch test.

This simple method helps determine whether your plant is truly dead or just dormant or stressed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform a scratch test, what the results mean, and what to do next.

What is A Scratch Test?

The scratch test is a quick diagnostic method used by gardeners and plant experts to check the viability of a plant. It involves gently scratching the outer layer of a plant’s stem or branch to reveal the tissue beneath.

Green tissue? Your plant is still alive.

Brown and dry tissue? That part of the plant is likely dead.

This test is especially useful for indoor plants that have dropped leaves or outdoor plants that have been exposed to extreme temperatures.

How to Perform a Scratch Test Step by Step

1. Choose the Right Spot

Select a small section of the main stem or branch—ideally near the base of the plant. Avoid scratching near new growth or buds if they’re present.

2. Use a Clean Tool

Use your fingernail, a small knife, the edge of pruning shears or even a coin to gently scratch away a bit of the outer bark or stem tissue.

3. Look at the Color Beneath

• Bright green and moist? The plant is alive and may recover with proper care.
• Brown, brittle, or dry? That section is dead.

If the stem is brown but the base of the plant is green, you can often cut it back to the live portion to encourage regrowth.

4. Test Different Areas

Don’t stop at one spot—especially if your plant is large or bushy. Test several areas, working your way down the stem toward the roots. Plants can have dead upper growth but still be alive at the base.

When to Use the Scratch Test

• After a plant has experienced cold damage
• If your plant has dropped all its leaves
• When a plant has been underwatered or overwatered
• If you’re unsure whether to discard or revive a struggling plant

What to Do If Your Plant Is Alive

If the scratch test shows green tissue, there’s still hope. Here’s how to support recovery:

• Trim dead growth to direct energy to healthy parts.
• Adjust watering and light to meet the plant’s specific needs.
• Be patient—recovery can take days or even weeks depending on the plant type and condition.

What to Do If Your Plant Is Dead

If no green tissue is found at any part of the plant, it’s likely time to let it go. Before discarding the potting soil, check for pests or signs of fungal infection. If all is clear, you can reuse the planter with fresh soil for a new plant.

By learning how to use the scratch test, you’ll feel more confident in plant care—whether you’re reviving a struggling fiddle leaf fig or troubleshooting a cold-damaged fern. Not all hope is lost when a plant looks bare. Sometimes, all it takes is a little scratch to see signs of life.

Sources

This article was written with insights from the certified Plant Doctors at Léon & George. Experts in botany and horticulture, our Plant Doctors are seasoned professionals with years of experience caring for plants, both in their work and at home as passionate hobbyists. Their guidance ensures that our plant care recommendations are rooted in scientific knowledge and practical expertise.

Léon & George customers enjoy free, 24/7 access to Plant Doctors through their account homepage. Not a customer but need expert advice? Book a video call or wellness visit today to keep your indoor greenery thriving.