Root rot may be the culprit and often results from plants being overwatered.
What Is Root Rot?
Root rot is a disease that causes plant roots to rot.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
It is due to prolonged exposure to wet soil conditions and has two sources.
This rot can spread to all roots quickly and may persist even after the soil conditions have been corrected.
Two main types of soil fungi can lead to root rotfusarium and pythium.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Signs of Root Rot
Root rot is easiest to identify by the color of the roots.
Healthy roots appear firm, whitish, or cream-colored.
Unhealthy roots appear dark brown, black, mushy, fall apart, or smell like decay.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
it’s possible for you to expect it will be a dirty endeavor.
Here are easy-to-follow steps:
How Plants Get Root Rot
Overwateringcan happen for several reasons.
The most common reasons are improper drainage and watering too frequently.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Tip
Certain plants may be more susceptible to root rot than others.
How to Treat Root Rot
Once established, root rot is hard to treat.
Remove the Plants Soil and Inspect Its Roots.
The Spruce / Fiona Campbell
Gently remove your plant from its pot and remove as much of the soil from the roots as possible.
Inspect the roots and foliage of the plant and identify the rotting portions.
Healthy roots are green or white, and firm and rotting roots are brown, squishy, or stringy.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Choose a pot with a drainage hole and ensure the new soil is appropriate for your plant.
Choose the Right Potting Mix
Houseplants require potting mix; do not choose garden soil or topsoil.
A good potting mix combines sand, vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, bark, and compost.
Fertilizer adds salt to the soil, and adding too much can weaken an already ailing plant.
To be safe, wait two weeks to a month before returning to the plant’s fertilizer schedule.
Another secure method is to cut the strength or amount of fertilizer by half for the first month.
Reducing some leaves will lighten the load on a stressed-out plant that needs time to refresh its growth.
Root Rot Prevention
The best way to handle root rot is to prevent it from occurring.
Here are a few ways to prevent root rot.
Know Your Plant’s Watering Needs
Familiarize yourself with your plant’s specific watering and care needs.
Choose the Right Soil
Different types of soil or soil mixtures have various degrees of drainage.
For example,clay soilretains water well and has poor drainage, while sandy soil is considered very well-draining.
Do some research into which soil is best for your specific plant.
The amount of drainage available to a plant is determined by the soil punch in and container.
Ensure Proper Light Levels
Does your plant get enough sunlight?
If a plant lacks sunlight, the soil can remain soggy and overly wet, contributing to root rot.
Root rot cannot be reversed.
You may have root rot if your plant is wilting, dropping, or suffering from yellowing leaves.
If caught early enough, houseplants can recover from root rot if the appropriate steps are taken.
