Why Does the Stem of a Desert Rose Become Soft?
Here is an explanation for the netizens who are concerned about why the stem of a desert rose becomes soft. Let's take a look together.
Why Does the Stem of a Desert Rose Become Soft?
Root rot infection leads to stem rot and starts to soften. Water loss causes root desiccation, and the roots cannot absorb water, leading to softening. Over-fertilization burns the roots, causing root rot and soft rot of the fleshy stem. During the plum rain season, bacterial growth in moist soil leads to diseases and stem soft rot. Slight frost damage results in minor injury to the roots and leaves, temporarily losing function and causing stem soft rot.
There are several reasons for the softness of the desert rose stem:
Root rot infection leads to stem rot and starts to soften.
Water loss causes root desiccation, and the roots cannot absorb water, leading to softening.
Over-fertilization burns the roots, causing root rot and soft rot of the fleshy stem.
Bacterial growth during the plum rain season, with long-term moist soil, leads to diseases and stem soft rot.
Slight frost damage results in minor injury to the roots and leaves, temporarily losing function and causing stem soft rot.
If the desert rose stem is soft or has already rotted, it is necessary to handle it promptly to avoid death.
If you find that the stem of the desert rose is very soft and brown water comes out when poked with a finger, it is severely rotted. You need to perform potting rescue as follows:
Rinse the planting material with tap water to clean the roots until all the roots are exposed.
Cut off the rotted roots and use a utility knife to scrape off the rotted parts of the fleshy stem until fresh tissue is exposed.
Air-dry the wounded area in a shaded and well-ventilated place. During this time, you can spray the wound with a 1000x diluted solution of carbendazim every half hour for three consecutive times.
For replanting, it's best to use clean river sand as a soilless medium. River sand is sterile, has good drainage, and large day-night temperature differences, which are beneficial for root growth.
How to Prevent Soft Rot in Desert Roses?
When planting, the soil should be loose and breathable, with good drainage and slightly acidic. A mixture of one-third each of different materials can be used for planting.
For daily maintenance, ensure充足光照 and good ventilation, with temperatures between 15 and 32 degrees Celsius. In high temperatures, provide shade, and in low temperatures, protect from frost. In spring, when bacteria are active, water with a carbendazim solution and avoid rain.
Desert roses have good drought tolerance. Watering should allow the soil to have intervals of drying. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. In spring, avoid rain and extend the watering interval appropriately.
When fertilizing, make sure that solid fertilizers do not come into direct contact with the roots and can be applied near the pot. Fertilization should be done on sunny days and follow the principle of "frequent light applications rather than heavy infrequent ones."
The above information about why the stem of a desert rose becomes soft is provided for your comprehensive understanding and reference!