What to Do When the Roots of the Epipremnum Aureum Rot
The Epipremnum aureum, a common indoor foliage plant, has root rot issues that trouble many plant enthusiasts. When the leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the potting soil emits an unpleasant odor, it often indicates a problem with the root health.
This article will systematically analyze from diagnosis to treatment, providing a complete solution for Epipremnum aureum root rot, helping your plant regain vitality.
Emergency Treatment Plan for Epipremnum Aureum Root Rot
Root Diagnosis and Pruning Techniques
Carefully remove the plant from the pot, gently tap the soil clump, and rinse with running water to expose the roots. Healthy roots should be translucent and milky white, while rotting roots are brown and slimy. Use scissors sanitized with alcohol to make an oblique cut 2 cm above the rotting area, retaining uninfected tissue.
Scientific Disinfection Operation Guide
Prepare a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution (light pink) and soak the treated roots for 15 minutes. In special cases, a 800x solution of carbendazim can be used as an alternative, ensuring the solution temperature is between 18-25°C. After disinfection, rinse with clean water three times and let the roots dry in a shaded area for 2 hours.
Recreating the Environment for the Revival of Epipremnum Aureum
Substrate Ratio and Pot Selection
Use a ratio of coconut coir: perlite: decomposed leaf soil = 3:1:1, adding 5% bamboo charcoal particles to enhance breathability. It is recommended to use red pottery or green mountain pots, with a diameter 3-5 cm smaller than the original pot, and a 3 cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage.
Key Post-Operative Care Elements
Keep the environmental temperature between 20-28°C and humidity between 60-75%. Create a mini greenhouse using transparent plastic bags and ventilate twice a day. Control lighting to 5000-8000 lux, avoiding direct sunlight.
Long-Term Preventive Care Strategy
Water the plant with a rooting hormone solution for the first time 15 days after surgery, using the immersion method. Add a liquid fertilizer containing calcium and magnesium elements (EC value 1.2-1.5) monthly. Extend the watering cycle to completely dry potting soil in winter, and use 101 vitality enhancer in summer to improve stress resistance.
With systematic emergency treatment and environmental control, most Epipremnum aureum with root rot can sprout new roots within 45 days. Regularly checking potting soil moisture and maintaining good ventilation are key to preventing root rot recurrence. Remember the three characteristics of healthy roots: milky white appearance, elastic texture, and fresh soil smell, which will all be important indicators for your Epipremnum aureum care.