How to Deal with Rotting Roots in Epipremnum aureum
Epipremnum aureum, as a common indoor green plant, the health of its roots is directly related to the survival of the plant. When you find the leaves turning yellow and the stems becoming soft, it is highly possible that there is a root rot crisis. This article provides detailed professional treatment plans for both hydroponic and soil cultivation methods to help you rescue endangered Epipremnum aureum in time.
Emergency Guide for Hydroponic Epipremnum aureum Root Rot
Step One: Precise Excision of Diseased Roots
Use scissors disinfected with alcohol to make an oblique cut 2cm above the edge of the rotting tissue. Observe the color of the incision, and if there are still black spots, continue trimming until white healthy rootstocks are exposed. Be careful to protect the new aerial roots during the operation, as these silver-white fibrous roots are key to recovery.
Step Two: Scientific Water Replacement and Care
Discard the accumulated water in the original bottle and replace it with tap water or distilled water that has been left standing for 48 hours. The optimal water level should be controlled at 2/3 of the roots, leaving 1/3 of the roots in contact with air. Adding 3-5 drops of hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) can increase dissolved oxygen and inhibit the reproduction of anaerobic bacteria.
Step Three: Medicament-Assisted Repair
Choose a broad-spectrum fungicide such as benzopyrazole ester, and prepare a solution at a ratio of 1:1500. Soak for 2 hours daily and then change to clear water, continuing the treatment for 3 days. Avoid using nutrient solutions during the recovery period, and only supplement with liquid fertilizer after new roots have grown 1cm.
Revival Plan for Soil-Grown Epipremnum aureum with Root Rot
Comprehensive Root Disinfection
After removing the pot, rinse the roots under running water and use a bamboo skewer to remove compacted soil clumps. After pruning, soak in a mixed solution of carbendazim and metalaxyl (1:1:800) for 40 minutes, focusing on the vulnerable areas where the rootstock and stem meet.
Matrix Reconstruction Key Points
Prepare a new matrix by mixing coconut bran, perlite, and decomposed leaf soil in a ratio of 3:1:1 and sterilize it at high temperature in a microwave for 5 minutes. When planting, retain 2cm of protective soil and use the moist soil potting method to avoid secondary rot caused by watering.
Whether hydroponic or soil-grown, after treatment, maintain a constant temperature of 20-25°C and配合60% shading. The unfolding of new leaves indicates successful root recovery, at which time light exposure can be gradually increased, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be supplemented monthly to enhance disease resistance. Regularly check the pH value of the matrix to ensure it remains within the slightly acidic range of 5.5-6.5, fundamentally preventing the recurrence of root rot.