What Causes the Rotting Leaves of Epipremnum aureum
Epipremnum aureum, as a common indoor ornamental leaf plant, the yellowing and rotting of leaves is the most troublesome phenomenon for plant growers during maintenance. This article will systematically analyze the four main causes of rotting leaves in Epipremnum aureum and provide targeted solutions to help you quickly diagnose and implement effective treatment.
Core Inducements and Countermeasures for Rotting Leaves of Epipremnum aureum
1. Pathogen Infection Leading to Leaf Lesions
Fungal diseases such as leaf spot disease and (T-J) disease are common culprits for the rotting of Epipremnum aureum leaves. When the plant is in a closed and humid environment, the pathogen invades through the stomata, initially presenting as needle-like brown spots, which will expand to necrotic spots 2-5mm in diameter within 48 hours.
Emergency treatment should follow the "Three-Step Therapy": ① immediately cut off the diseased leaves and incinerate them ② spray the whole plant with a 70% Mancozeb wettable powder solution diluted 800 times ③ improve ventilation conditions and keep the leaves dry.
2. Dual Damage from Imbalanced Water Management
Although Epipremnum aureum prefers a humid environment, waterlogging can lead to root suffocation and rot. According to experimental data, when the substrate moisture content exceeds 65% for 3 consecutive days, the incidence of root rot can reach 78%. The characteristic symptoms include the base of the petiole first appearing as water-soaked softening, followed by the entire leaf rotting.
Scientific watering should follow the "dry-wet" principle: 3 times per week in summer, and 7-10 days per time in winter. For plants with rotting roots, remove from the pot, trim, retain healthy aerial roots, soak in carbendazim, and replace with a new substrate of珍珠岩:peat=3:1.
3. Typical Symptoms of Low-Temperature Frostbite
When the ambient temperature drops below 12°C, the cell membrane permeability of Epipremnum aureum changes, presenting as translucent frostbite spots on the leaf edges, which can expand to the entire leaf within 72 hours. In northern regions, the frostbite rate of plants placed on window sills in winter can reach 92%.
Key points for overwintering management: ① maintain a constant temperature above 15°C ② keep away from areas with direct cold wind ③ use double-layer thermal insulation film coverage. Frostbitten leaves should be cut off immediately, and the cut surfaces should be coated with wood ash to promote healing.
4. Infection Pathways After Mechanical Damage
Leaf wounds caused by improper pruning or external force can become entry points for pathogens such as Fusarium. Experiments show that a 1mm diameter wound can complete pathogen colonization in an environment with humidity >80% within 6 hours.
Standard operating procedures require: ① using scissors disinfected with alcohol ② cutting surfaces to be 45°斜面 ③ after pruning, spray with a 800x solution of carbendazim. Also, avoid mixing with thorny plants like succulents to reduce physical damage.
Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that the issue of rotting leaves in Epipremnum aureum requires comprehensive prevention and control through environmental regulation, standardized operations, and timely interventions. It is recommended to conduct leaf surface examinations monthly, keep a maintenance log recording temperature and humidity changes, and eliminate the root causes of rotting leaves. By mastering scientific methods, you can certainly restore the jade-like luster of Epipremnum aureum.