Should You Cut Off the Rotting Bark of a Money Tree?
As a popular indoor green plant, the money tree often suffers from bark rot due to improper care. When faced with soft and black trunk bark, what rescue measures should be taken? Can the plant self-repair after being damaged? This article will provide a detailed solution based on practical experience and botanical principles.
Ⅰ. Emergency Treatment Plan for Bark Rot
1.1 Rotting Bark Must Be Removed Promptly
When a soft rot lesion is found on the bark, it is necessary to immediately cut around 0.5 cm from the edge of the healthy tissue with a sterilized tool. Remove all discolored tissue until fresh wood is exposed, which can effectively block the spread of the bacteria. Garden gloves should be worn throughout the process to avoid cross-contamination.
1.2 Critical Step of Disinfection and Protection for the Wound
The cleaned wound should be immediately coated with a broad-spectrum fungicide, recommended to use a mixture of methyl thiophanate and wood ash in a 1:3 ratio. After applying, wrap the wound with plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent secondary contamination, changing the dressing every 3 days until healing tissue forms.
Ⅱ. Analysis of the Bark Regeneration and Repair Mechanism
2.1 Activating the Regeneration Capacity of the Cambium Layer
Preserving the intact cambium layer is key to the repair process. This meristematic tissue, located between the xylem and phloem, can differentiate into new bark cells in about 30 days at a temperature of 25-28°C. During this period, maintain an environmental humidity of 60%-70% and supplement with a growth promoter containing zinc elements weekly.
2.2 Rebuilding the Nutrient Transport System
During the repair of the damaged area, it is recommended to apply a water-soluble fertilizer containing humic acid (diluted 1500 times) monthly, along with foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.1% concentration) to maintain nutrient supply through leaf absorption, providing energy support for the growth of the new bark layer.
Ⅲ. In-depth Analysis of the Causes of Bark Rot
3.1 Three Misconceptions about Water Management
• It is recommended to water every 7-10 days in spring and autumn, 5-7 days in summer, and 15-20 days in winter. Using a terracotta pot can improve aeration, with a soil mix ratio of decomposed leaf soil: perlite: river sand = 5:3:2. After watering, tilt the pot to pour out the accumulated water in the saucer to prevent root rot caused by capillary action.
3.2 Scientific Fertilization Scheme
In the growing season (April-September), apply a special fertilizer for ornamental leaves (N-P-K=20-10-10) monthly, and stop fertilizing in winter. New slow-release fertilizers can be applied every quarter with 5-8 pellets, and using them with microbial agents yields better results. Always fertilize in a ring shape 15 cm away from the root neck to avoid fertilizer burns.
Ⅳ. Preventive Measures for Daily Maintenance
Regularly inspect the base of the trunk and deal with any abnormal bark promptly. Maintain good ventilation, use breathable containers like red陶 pots, change the potting soil and trim the roots every 2 years. Pay attention to frost protection in winter, maintaining an environmental temperature above 15°C to effectively reduce the incidence of diseases.
Through scientific treatment and careful care, a damaged money tree can usually fully recover in 3-6 months. Prevention is better than cure, and establishing a proper care system is essential to keep your money tree healthy and vibrant.