Is the Money Tree alive with rotting bark?
Many plant enthusiasts become anxious when they discover bark rot on their Money Trees. This common disease often comes with root damage, but it doesn't mean the plant has completely lost its chance for salvation. By mastering the correct diagnosis and first aid measures, over 80% of diseased plants can be revived.
I. Deep Causes of Bark Rot
1.1 Three Main Causes of Root Damage
Waterlogging and root rot account for 65% of disease cases,表现为 soil remaining moist and compacted for long periods; fertilizer burn is often caused by using uncomposted organic fertilizer or too high a concentration; pest invasion is most commonly caused by root mealybugs, whose secretions corrode root tissues.
1.2 Disease Development Timeline
Initially, the bark shows water-stained spots (3-5 days) → Local tissue softens and rots (1 week) → Lesion spreads to the main stem (10-15 days) → Whole plant wilts (over 3 weeks), timely intervention can halt the disease progression.
II. Four-Step First Aid Guide
2.1 Precise Treatment of Rotting Tissue
Use a sharp tool sterilized by fire, and the excision area should extend 2cm beyond the affected area. The cut should be a 45-degree斜面, and using absorbent paper towels to remove exudate can reduce the risk of secondary infection.
2.2 Scientific Disinfection and Sterilization Scheme
Myclobutanil solution is recommended to be diluted to 800 times, with a soaking time of 25-40 minutes. For large-scale lesions, alternately use Metalaxyl-M, to enhance the spectrum of fungicides.
2.3 Key Measures for Wound Healing
Healing agent formula recommended: mix wood ash and sulfur powder in a 3:1 ratio, which can stop bleeding and prevent corruption, and also adjust the pH value. Combined with LED plant growth lights for 4 hours daily, it can accelerate the formation of healing tissue.
2.4 Scientific Potting Care Tips
The matrix preparation should follow the principle of 「Leaf mold soil: Perlite: Vermiculite = 5:3:2」, and after planting, implement a stepped watering method: maintain 50% humidity in the first week, increase to 70% in the second week, and return to normal care in the third week.
III. Daily Maintenance Defense System
Apply EM bacteria solution monthly to improve soil microecology; set up intelligent humidity monitors, which automatically alarm when soil moisture exceeds 60%; rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure. By establishing a three-level prevention mechanism, the recurrence rate can be reduced to below 5%.