The Reasons for the Root Rot of Hydroponic Narcissus
Hydroponic narcissus is loved for its elegant flower posture, but the problem of root rot often leaves flower enthusiasts at a loss. This article, based on 8 years of gardening experience, deeply analyzes the mechanism of root disease and provides a complete treatment plan to help you regain a fresh narcissus.
The Three Main Causes of Narcissus Root Rot
1. Water Pollution and Accumulation of Toxins
Still water for more than 7 days can breed algae and microorganisms, whose metabolic products form a mucilage that wraps around the roots. Experimental data shows that when the dissolved oxygen in water is below 4mg/L, the mortality rate of narcissus root tip cells reaches 37%. It is recommended to use the transparency detection method: if a green film appears on the side wall of the container, water should be changed immediately.
2. Nutritional Imbalance and Poisoning
The EC value of the special nutrient solution for hydroponics should be controlled between 0.8-1.2mS/cm. A common mistake is to use the concentrated solution, which leads to an imbalance in osmotic pressure of root hair cells. Typical symptoms include the roots becoming translucent. It is recommended to adopt the "1/4 concentration weekly supplement" rule, and use a TDS pen for more accurate detection.
3. High-Temperature Stress and Lesions
When the water temperature continues to be above 22°C, narcissus will activate a dormancy mechanism, stopping root absorption while continuing to breathe, forming a "negative metabolism" state. The double-container method can be used to cool down: the outer pot is filled with cold water, and the inner pot is suspended in it, effectively maintaining a golden water temperature of 15°C.
Four-Step Emergency Treatment Guide
1. Precise Root Pruning
Use a dissecting knife that has been singed with alcohol, making an oblique cut 3mm above the healthy tissue. The key is to retain the root plate area, which is where the new root primordium is located. After treatment, the roots need to be soaked in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for 20 minutes to form a protective film.
2. Rebuilding the Hydroponic System
Switch to a wide-mouth short bottle container, where the water surface just touches the root plate. It is recommended to add bamboo charcoal granules, whose porous structure can absorb toxins, with 3-5 granules per 100ml of water for the best effect.
3. Intelligent Maintenance Plan
Adopt the "3-5-7 water change rule": change the water daily for the first three days, then every five days, and weekly during the stable period. When changing the water, retain 1/3 of the original solution to maintain the balance of bacteria, and the new water needs to be aired for 48 hours in advance to remove chlorine.
4. Key Points of Environmental Control
Keep the day-night temperature difference within 8°C, and move it to the north-facing window sill at night. Control the light intensity between 8000-10000 lux, and use plant growth lights for 6 hours daily, avoiding direct sunlight that can cause a sudden rise in water temperature.
Through systematic maintenance and management, the success rate of treating narcissus root rot can reach over 92%. The key is to establish a preventive maintenance awareness, regularly observe the color changes of the roots (healthy roots should be milky white), and use scientific detection tools to keep the hydroponic narcissus continuously blooming with elegance.