Root rot hides from our eyes and remains undetected for a long time. When the first visible signs appear on the plant, its he alth is almost ruined. Now it's important to act quickly. But how?
How to treat root rot on plants?
To treat root rot, cut off any rotten roots, rinse the root ball under running water, plant the plant in fresh soil and use a new pot. Afterwards, keep the plant largely dry to promote root recovery.
Detecting root rot safely
Identifying rotting roots is not easy because they are surrounded by the earth and are not visible to us. But at some point this disease cannot be overlooked on the rest of the plant. The typical picture shows a wilting plant. The plant needs water, thinks the owner, and waters it heavily. The rot remains undetected and is even promoted with more moisture.
If parts of the plant are wilting or there are changes to the leaves, root rot should always be considered:
- Dig up and inspect roots specifically
- pay attention to gray, brown or black discoloration
- rotting roots are often muddy
- they give off a musty smell
Immediate measures
Root rot often means the end of the plant, but sometimes it can be saved. There is no effective preparation available on the market, especially since a wide variety of pathogens are at work. Since wet soil contributes significantly to the onset and progression of the disease, here is the key.
- Cut off rotten roots completely
- Rinse the root ball under running water
- Planting a plant in fresh soil
- use a new pot
Tip
Afterwards, keep the plant as dry as possible so that its roots can recover.
Root rot in the garden bed
If entire vegetable beds or certain outdoor plants are affected by root rot, rescue is more difficult. The first thing that needs to be put to the test is the casting behavior. Depending on the root disease, it may also be necessary to dispose of affected plants immediately and completely. However, some pathogens survive in the soil and often attack the same types of plants. Therefore, pay attention to crop rotation in the following years.
Prevent root rot
Even if the affected plant dies from root rot, it is high time for preventive measures. Other plants and new acquisitions are also at risk of developing root rot over the course of their lives. At least care errors should be minimized as risk factors.
- Avoid waterlogging/empty coasters
- use loose, well-drained substrate
- Use plant strengtheners
- Always observe crop rotation in the bed