Root-rot Disease; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

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Root-rot Disease Causes & Symptoms

The first sign of root-rot disease in plants, is rotting, yellowing and wilting of the leaves, foul odor and stunted growth. These are rapidly followed by browning and sudden plant collapse. The disease is caused by a fungi like Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium and Rhizoctonia or by bacteria. It is promoted by soggy soil.

Always ensure that the soil is free-draining soil and the pot you use has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging. Do not let water stand in the saucer for too long. Empty the saucer so that the plant does not sit on water after you are done watering.

This will prevent water from standing too long in the potting mix when you water the plant and thus prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Most houseplants will be killed by root-rot disease if the soil remains too wet for too long. Cacti, Succulents, Begonia, Palms and Saintpaulia are highly susceptible to this disease.

How to Save a Plant Dying of Root-rot

If spotted early, root-rot disease can be treated and the plant can be saved. The best treatment for root-rot disease is through Root Surgery Technique.

Root Surgery Technique for Treating Root-rot in Indoor Plants

Carefully, slip the plant out of its pot, wash the soil from the roots and inspect the roots.

Cut away any stems or leaves showing any signs of rot. Cut off brown-black, mushy roots. Use sharp, sterilized pruning scissors to prevent cross-contamination.

Disinfect the remaining roots and the entire plant with a copper-based fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer. Ensure the entire plant is well covered with the fungicidal solution.

Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot and repot the plant.

Use free-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Water the plant with the fungicidal solution and place it in a warm, well-lit spot.

Do not water the plant again until new growth appears and avoid overwatering and soggy soil thereafter.

Note: If all the roots are brown-black and mushy, discard the plant; it is far gone and cannot be saved. Discard the pot or disinfect it with the fungicidal solution before re-using it to prevent cross-contamination.

How to Prevent Root-rot in Houseplants

1. Avoid Overwatering

Understand your plants water requirements. Do not water on a schedule; always do the 'finger test' before watering the plant. Insert your index finger into the soil up to about 2 inches deep and rub the soil between your fingers. Generally, if the soil feels damp, do not water but if it feels dry, the plant needs to be watered.

2. Use Quality Potting Soil

Poor quality soil does not drain freely and easily becomes compacted or soggy. Pot your plant in a loose, free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Keep in mind that each plant requires a specific type of soil. Therefore, reasearch your plant's soil needs.

3. Ensure Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is essential for plant health. To ensure good drainage for your plant, pay attention to both soil quality and pot type. Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole to prevent excessive water retention.

4. Provide Adequate Lighting

Sufficient light is needed for proper growth of the plant. In too little light, the plant is unable to photosynthesize sufficiently, thus the soil remains too wet for too long. Too much water in the soil will lead to rotting. Ensure to place your plant in a spot with enough lighting or use a grow light if you do not have adequate natural light in your home.

Root-rot Disease; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention