Status: 14.01.2024, 15:00 PM
By: Ines Alms
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Root rot is an invisible enemy of houseplants. If you don't recognize them in time and fight them, the plant will die faster than you'd like.
The ficus looks bad, its foliage is falling off. The orchid sadly drops its yellow leaves. Are the plants dried out, thirsty or infested with pests? It is not possible to tell at first glance whether a houseplant suffers from root rot. However, it should be checked promptly, as once dead roots have died, they can no longer be saved. However, if there is still enough life in them, the plant can often be cheered up again with a few methods.
Symptoms of root rot on houseplants and first aid
Planters without a drainage hole always carry the risk of waterlogging and root rot. © Zoonar/Imago
The first signs of root rot are not always obvious. However, yellow leaves, limp plants, or a foul smell may indicate the problem. Often the plant is also wobbly in the pot. On closer inspection, the roots are brown and mushy. This is a sure sign of root rot. The same goes for a putrid, bad smell that emanates from the roots and substrate. These symptoms are caused by bacteria, fungi or simply too much water.
When root rot is diagnosed, immediate action is crucial. With these characteristics, there is hope that the plant can still be helped:
- Healthy shoots and leaves: If, despite visible root rot, above-ground parts of the plant still appear healthy and vital and cannot be easily pulled out.
- Active growth: New shoots or leaves that develop despite root rot signal that the plant is still viable and trying to recover.
- Living roots: If you take the plant out of the pot, you will still find firm light brown or white roots.
A quick first aid plan can then save the plant. The first step is to completely dispose of the infested substrate, as root rot can spread to other plants via soil or water. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, cut off the rotten roots and a small part of the healthy roots. Rinse the root ball well. Sprinkle some cinnamon on the roots – hydroponics uses hydrogen peroxide – and let the ball dry for about ten minutes. Then repot the plant in fresh substrate.
If the root rot is too overwhelming, cuttings can still be obtained in some cases. Even if the plant can be saved, it will require patience and consistent care to restore it to its full glory.
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Preventing root rot of potted plants
The success of the rescue depends on various factors. It is crucial to have a sufficiently large pot with good drainage to avoid waterlogging in the future – one of the biggest dangers of root rot. Excess water from the saucer must be removed quickly. Regular, mindful watering, good aeration of the substrate and the use of high-quality soil are the best measures to prevent root rot. In the soil, pay attention to coarser components such as perlite, so that cavities form in between, in which the oxygen, which is important for the roots, can collect.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model to optimize at her own discretion. All information has been carefully verified. Learn more about our AI principles here.