Succulents are beautiful and easy-to-care-for potted plants, but if we accidentally overwater them or keep them in a humid environment for a long time, their roots can easily rot. When you find that the roots of your succulents are rotting, never give up on them. This article will introduce how to save succulents with rotten roots, and we hope it will be helpful to your succulents.
Understanding Succulent Root Rot
When the roots of a succulent are in a moist state for a long time, it will lead to root rot, a phenomenon known as "root rot". At this point, the succulent's root system is already damaged, which can easily cause problems such as malnutrition and slow growth.
Check the Extent of Root Rot
When you find that the roots of your succulents are rotting, the first thing to do is to check the extent of the rot. If it's only mild rot, you only need to remove the damaged roots. If the root rot is severe, you need to reorganize the succulent's root system.
Prepare Treatment Tools
If you need to reorganize the succulent's root system, you will need to prepare the following tools: scissors, disinfectant, garden scissors, flat-nose pliers, a soil moisture meter, etc.
Remove Rotted Roots
Removing the rotted roots is the first step in saving a succulent with root rot. Disinfect the garden scissors and flat-nose pliers with disinfectant, and remove all the damaged roots.
Soak the Succulent
Soak the succulent with the rotted roots removed in clean water for more than 15 minutes to wash away any remaining dirt and dead leaves on the leaves.
Prune Off Dead and Damaged Leaves
After dealing with the rotten roots, you need to check if the succulent's leaves are healthy. If there are dead or damaged leaves, you need to prune them off with scissors.
Prepare New Potting Soil
After dealing with the roots, you need to prepare new potting soil for the succulent. To avoid malnutrition, you can choose potting soil rich in organic matter.
Reorganize the Roots
Take out the succulent, use flat-nose pliers to remove any remaining old roots and leaves, and then insert the roots into the new potting soil.
Transplant the Plant
After reorganizing the succulent's root system, you need to replant it. Place the plant in a new pot and gently press down the soil.
Water and Fertilize
After transplanting, you need to water the succulent thoroughly and fertilize it. However, before it has recovered its growth state, do not overwater, as this will cause the new roots to rot.
Pay Attention to Light
Succulents love a well-lit environment, but during the recovery period, they need to be protected from direct sunlight. You can place them in a bright spot indoors, or cover the pot with a shade net.
Maintain Ventilation
Succulents need good air circulation, so you need to maintain ventilation after reorganizing the roots. You can place the succulent in a well-ventilated area, or turn on an indoor air purifier.
Avoid Overwatering
During the recovery period of the succulent, do not overwater. You can use a soil moisture meter to determine if watering is needed, or you can touch the bottom of the pot with your hand to see if there are water droplets.
Regularly Check the Plant's Condition
After dealing with root rot in your succulent, you need to regularly check its condition. If you notice slow growth or problems with the leaves, you need to make timely adjustments.
Through this article, we have learned how to save succulents with root rot. As long as you handle it with the correct method, it is easy to save the succulent from root rot and restore it to a healthy state.