What to Do When the Roots of a Lucky Money Tree Rot Due to Overwatering
The lucky money tree, as a common indoor ornamental leafy plant, the health of its roots directly affects its overall growth. When the leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the stems become soft, it often indicates a crisis of root rot. This article will systematically explain rescue techniques from emergency treatment to the scientific use of rooting powder.
Three Steps for Emergency Treatment of Root Rot
1. Pot Removal Skills and Root Cleaning
Gently tap the pot wall to loosen the soil, then tilt it at a 45-degree angle to slowly remove the plant. Remove 90% of the potting soil with a soft-bristle brush and then rinse with running water, paying special attention to the cleaning of the root-stem junction. Observe the color of the roots; healthy roots are milky white, while rotten roots are brown and feel soft and烂.
2. Key Points for Deep Pruning
Use pruning shears disinfected with alcohol, making an oblique cut 2cm above the edge of the rot. In severe cases of rot, remove all fibrous roots, retaining the buds at the base of the main root. It is recommended to use hydrogen peroxide (3%) for 20 minutes instead of traditional disinfectants, which can sterilize and increase oxygen supply to the roots.
3. Scientific Potting and Maintenance
Use a new matrix of珍珠岩:蛭石:椰糠=1:1:2, with a 3cm layer of陶粒 at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage. After planting, use the immersion method to water, maintaining an air humidity of over 70%. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two weeks, and rotate the pot by 15 degrees weekly to ensure even light exposure.
Advanced Use of Rooting Powder
1. Standard Ratio and Effectiveness Techniques
Dilute at a ratio of 1:600, and adding 5% willow extract can enhance the effect. When using in winter, keep the water temperature around 25°C. In summer, add 0.1% carbendazim to prevent secondary infections. Adjust the soaking time according to the area of the cut, extending it to 10 minutes for main roots with a diameter of 3cm or more.
2. Methods for Multi-Scenario Application
In addition to treating root rot, use the quick-dipping method (1000 times solution dipped for 30 seconds) during cutting propagation. When transitioning from hydroponics to soil culture, use the rooting powder solution as a transitional culture medium. For daily maintenance, use a 3000 times solution to water the roots monthly to enhance stress resistance.
Through a systematic treatment process, combined with the scientific use of rooting powder, most lucky money trees with root rot can sprout new roots within 45 days. It is necessary to control the watering frequency daily, keeping the soil moisture between 40%-60% in spring and autumn, slightly spraying with water to cool down in high summer temperatures, and strictly controlling water in winter to prevent frostbite.