How to Deal with Rotting Roots of Gardenias
Gardenias with yellowing and wilted leaves often hide a mortal threat. When you find that the plant's growth has停滞 and the potting soil emits an unpleasant odor, it is highly likely to be facing a root rot crisis. This article will provide a systematic rescue plan to help you save the endangered plant and bring the gardenia back to life.
Ⅰ. Three Steps for Emergency Root Rescue
1. Comprehensive Root Cleaning
After removing the plant from the pot, gently remove the compacted soil with a bamboo skewer, avoiding violent tugging. Retain 5cm of protective soil to safeguard the main roots, and pay special attention to checking if the junction of the rootstock and stem shows signs of black decay.
2. Precision Pruning Techniques
Use pruning shears disinfected with alcohol to prune the diseased roots until the cut surface is milky white. The trick to retaining healthy fibrous roots is to scrape the epidermis slightly to see green vascular bundles, which can then be preserved.
3. Double Disinfection Scheme
It is recommended to alternate the use of carbendazim (1:800) and potassium permanganate (1:2000) solutions, soaking for 1 hour in summer or 2 hours in winter, effectively killing pathogens such as Fusarium.
Ⅱ. Scientific Soil Mixing for Revival
1. Golden Matrix Ratio
Three formulas are recommended: ① Pine needle soil: Akadama soil: Perlite = 5:3:2 (moisture-retaining type); ② Decomposed leaf soil: Coarse river sand: Coconut fiber = 4:4:2 (breathable type); ③ Peat soil: Vermiculite: Rice husk charcoal = 6:2:2 (root-promoting type).
2. Pot Modification Essentials
The new pot should be 5cm larger than the original, with a 3cm layer of volcanic stones at the bottom for drainage. The pot must be sterilized with boiling water before use to prevent secondary infections.
Ⅲ. Critical Period for Reviving Care
Maintain an environmental humidity of 70% and an 18-25℃ temperature during the slow seedling period, using the immersion pot method to replenish water. For the first two weeks, spray the leaves with seaweed extract (1:1500) every 3 days, and gradually expose to scattered light after new buds appear.
Through systematic treatments such as root activation and environmental control, 85% of gardenias with root rot can recover growth within 6-8 weeks. For daily maintenance, it is necessary to follow the "dry-see-wet" principle and apply EM bacteria to improve the soil monthly, keeping your gardenias free from root rot problems.