Reasons for the Rotting Roots of a Lucky Bamboo Plant
As a star variety in the home green plant industry, the lucky bamboo plant is highly favored for its elegant shape and auspicious meaning. However, many enthusiasts often face the problem of root rot during maintenance, which not only affects its ornamental value but may also endanger the plant's life. This article will systematically analyze the causes and typical symptoms of root rot and provide a complete rescue plan.
One, Deep Causes of Lucky Bamboo Root Rot
1.1 Improper Water Management
Long-term积水 in the potting soil is the primary cause of root rot. The lucky bamboo plant is native to tropical dry areas, and its fleshy roots have water storage characteristics. Suddenly adding a large amount of water during the high summer temperatures or maintaining regular watering frequency during the low winter temperatures can lead to root cell asphyxiation and death. It is recommended to use the bamboo skewer test to determine soil moisture: insert a skewer into the soil for 10 minutes, and if soil particles stick to it, delay watering.
1.2 Sudden Temperature Fluctuations
When the ambient temperature drops below 15°C, the plant enters a dormant state, and the root absorption capacity decreases by 80%. If exposed to temperatures below 5°C for more than 24 hours, the protoplasm in the cells will irreversibly solidify. In winter, avoid placing the plant near windowsills or doorways where there are sudden temperature changes, and it is recommended to use a plant insulating cover to maintain a stable microclimate.
1.3 Chain Reaction of Diseases and Pests
Closed environments can trigger double damage from root rot disease and scale insects. Root rot fungi can侵入 the vascular bundles through wounds and spread throughout the root system within 3-5 days. Initially, white mycelium can be seen attached, which later turns into a brown, slimy rot. It is recommended to灌根 with a garlic extract solution (1:20 ratio) monthly for prevention.
Two, Systematic Rescue Plan
2.1 Surgical Treatment
After removing the plant from the pot, use a disinfected pair of scissors to cut away all blackened and rotten tissue until healthy white parts are exposed. Soak the roots in hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) for 20 minutes, which can sterilize and promote callus formation. The treated roots need to be placed in a shaded area for 6-8 hours, and only after the incisions are fully covered with a film can they be repotted.
2.2 Substrate Reconstruction Technique
The new substrate should have good breathability and can be mixed in the ratio of volcanic rock: coconut bran: decomposed pine phosphate = 4:3:3. Choose a root control pot that is 5 cm smaller in diameter than the original pot, and lay a 3 cm thick layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage. When planting, retain 1/3 of the protective soil to help the roots adapt quickly to the new environment.
2.3 Post-Operative Care Points
Maintain a diffused light environment during the slow growth period and avoid fertilizing for 15 days. Use the immersion method to water the plant, and add water when the potting soil has lost 2/3 of its weight. Spray the leaves with seaweed extract (1000 times dilution) monthly to enhance stress resistance, and rotate the pot 15 degrees weekly to ensure even light exposure.
By accurately identifying early symptoms (such as leaf discoloration, stem shrinkage, etc.) and combining them with a scientific rescue process, the survival rate of lucky bamboo plants with root rot can reach over 90%. Prevention is better than cure. It is recommended to use an intelligent soil tester in daily maintenance to monitor EC values and water content in real-time, fundamentally eliminating the risk of root rot.