How to Revive Aloe Vera with Rotting Roots
As the 'Desert Elf' of the indoor green plant world, aloe vera is loved for its drought-resistant characteristics. When leaves become soft and yellow, and the potting soil emits an unpleasant odor, over 72% of caretakers face the challenge of root rot. This article will guide you from the root causes to step-by-step treatment, teaching you how to activate the vitality of濒危 aloe vera.
Tracing the Pathology of Aloe Vera Root Rot
Water Management Malpractice Leading to Waterlogging
Experimental data shows that in a waterlogged environment, the imbalance rate of cell osmotic pressure in aloe vera roots reaches 89% after more than 3 days. Daily maintenance should strictly follow the 'dry and wet' principle, keeping a watering interval of 15-20 days in spring and winter, and reducing it to 7-10 days during the high-temperature summer period. Special tip: Using terracotta pots improves breathability by 40% compared to plastic pots, effectively preventing waterlogging.
Hidden Threats of Microbial Infection
Fungi such as Fusarium and Pythium can入侵 through wounds and form a mycelial network within 24 hours. It is recommended to treat the potting soil with high-temperature steam at 50°C every quarter, or mix in 3% bamboo charcoal particles to enhance抗菌 properties. If brown, water-stained rotting patches are found, immediate sterilization procedures should be initiated.
Five Steps to Revive Aloe Vera with Rotting Roots
Precise Surgical Debridement
Use a gardening knife sterilized by flame, making a 45°斜切 2cm outside the edge of the rotting tissue. Key technique: Apply cinnamon powder instead of wood ash to the cut surface, as cinnamon aldehyde has stronger antibacterial effects. For severely rotting plants, it is suggested to soak in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for 20 minutes.
Wound Repair and Intelligent Maintenance
During the root drying stage, place the plant in a ventilated environment with temperatures between 25-28°C, and use a 60% shade net to create a microclimate. Replant using a mixed substrate of perlite:vermiculite at a ratio of 3:1, and initially combine with a 0.01% indole butyric acid solution to induce new roots. When covering with a transparent humidity dome, vent for 1 hour daily to prevent secondary mold growth.
Optimization of Environmental Control Systems
During the recovery period, implement the 'Three Control Therapy': control of light (scattered light), temperature (18-30°C), and humidity (air humidity ≤50%). Use smart soil moisture monitors, and water minimally when the substrate moisture is below 15%. From the 4th week, foliar spray with seaweed extract solution to enhance stress resistance.
Through scientific diagnosis and precise intervention, 85% of aloe vera with rotting roots can sprout new roots within 6-8 weeks. Combined with tools such as infrared soil moisture meters and pH test pens in daily maintenance, a preventive maintenance system can be built, keeping your aloe vera free from root disease threats.