How to Deal with Root Rot in Desert Rose
The desert rose is favored by flower enthusiasts for its unique shape and vibrant flowers, but its succulent roots are highly sensitive to water, making root rot a common challenge in maintenance. When the plant's leaves turn yellow and the stems become soft, immediate scientific treatment measures are required. This article explains a three-step emergency treatment method and daily maintenance tips to help you save the endangered plant.
Key Steps for Treating Root Rot in Desert Rose
1. Pot Removal and Root Pruning
Gently tap the pot to loosen the soil, then invert the pot while supporting the base of the stem. Rinse the roots with running water and place them in a shaded area to dry. Use a pruning shear sanitized with alcohol to remove the black, soft rot tissue, retaining the healthy white roots. Simultaneously, remove withered yellow leaves to reduce nutrient consumption.
2. Thorough Disinfection and Substrate Preparation
Prepare a solution of carbendazim 800 times or a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution, and soak the roots for 20-30 minutes. Prepare a breathable substrate:珍珠岩:赤玉土:腐叶土=3:3:4, with a 3cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom of the pot for drainage, ensuring the new soil pH is between 6.0-7.0.
3. Scientific Planting and Recovery Maintenance
Plant the moist soil in a pot and place it in a scattered light environment, maintaining a constant temperature of 25-28°C. Do not water for the first 7 days, then start watering a small amount of clear water along the pot edge from the 8th day. After 30 days, apply a diluted 2000 times solution of "Flower More 1," and gradually increase light exposure as new leaves sprout.
Key Points for Preventing Root Rot in Desert Rose Maintenance
Water once every 10-15 days in spring and autumn, appropriately shorten to 7-10 days in the high-temperature summer, and strictly control water in winter. Using the immersion pot method to supply water is safer, maintaining air humidity at ≤40%. Check the roots every spring when repotting, using breathable containers like red pottery, with a pot diameter 5cm smaller than the plant's canopy being ideal.
By standardizing emergency operations combined with scientific maintenance, the survival rate of desert roses can reach over 85%. Pay attention to the condition of the base swelling area in daily observations, and address any abnormalities promptly. It is recommended to regularly use EM bacterial solution to water the roots to enhance disease resistance, allowing the desert rose to regain its vibrant flower appearance.