Root rot can also affect the elephant foot. Read here how to recognize the dreaded disease in Beaucarnea recurvata. Overview of common causes of root rot. How to treat an elephant foot with root rot infestation.
How to combat root rot on elephant foot?
You can combat root rot in elephant foot byRepottingandeconomical wateringRinse off the soil from the potted root ball and cut off anyrotting roots Plant the bottle tree in permeable succulent soil. In the future, allow the soil to dry noticeably before each watering. Fungicides are ineffective against root rot.
How do you recognize root rot in elephant foot?
Symptoms of root rot in elephant foot arewilted shoots,yellow leavesand ashaky standin the pot. Potting out the plant will reveal rotting, mushy,brown roots. Amusty smell arises from the potted root ball.
He althy roots are light brown
An elephant foot with light brown to light beige, firm roots is not affected by root rot. In this case, wilted shoots, yellow leaves and a wobbly stand are due to other causes. The focus is on care errors such as drought stress, incorrect fertilization or lack of light.
What causes root rot on elephant foot?
Root rot on elephant foot (Beaucarnea recurvata) is caused bypest pathogensorcare errors The scientific name for the pathogen is Phytophthora (the plant destroyer). Phytophthora species cause massive damage to garden and house plants. The pathogen that causes late blight, Phytophthora infestans, is particularly feared and primarily attacks tomatoes and potatoes. The roots rot, become mushy and stop functioning. Infected plants wilt and die.
Care errors, such as excessive watering, waterlogging and compacted substrate, also cause root rot on the elephant's foot.
How to treat an elephant foot with root rot?
You shouldrepot an elephant foot with root rotandwater more sparingly. Regular checks for waterlogging effectively prevent renewed infestation. This is how it works:
- Stuffing the elephant's foot.
- Rinse the substrate under running water.
- Cut off rotting roots.
- Clean the plant pot, planter and saucer with vinegar water or a disinfectant.
- Place expanded clay drainage in the pot.
- Plant elephant foot in permeable succulent soil or cactus soil.
- In the future, allow the soil to dry to a noticeable degree before each watering.
- Check the planter or saucer weekly for standing water.
Fungicides don’t work
Chemical fungicides used to treat root rot are ineffective.
Tip
Horsetail broth strengthens the defenses of houseplants
A broth made from field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) protects plants against diseases and pests. The old home remedy contains a high proportion of silica, potassium and saponins. These valuable ingredients make horsetail broth a natural plant strengthener and organic fertilizer. Regular watering with horsetail broth strengthens the cellular tissue. Houseplants like the elephant's foot become more resistant to attacks by pests such as mold spores, mildew and pests.
