Reasons and Solutions for Root Rot in Huangli
As a star variety in the succulent world, Huangli is deeply loved for its bright yellow waxy leaves. However, the problem of root rot frequently occurs during maintenance, often catching beginners off guard. This article will deeply analyze the three stages of root rot characteristics in Huangli and provide systematic solutions.
Pathological Mechanism Analysis of Huangli Root Rot
Water Control: Root Suffocation Crisis
Succulent plant roots need breathing space, and the watering frequency should be dynamically adjusted according to the season. In the summer dormant period, once a month is sufficient, while in the spring and autumn growing periods, watering thoroughly every 7-10 days is recommended. Use the bamboo skewer test: insert into the potting soil for 2 hours, and if there is no moist trace, water can be supplemented.
Fertilizer Damage Accumulation: Chemical Burn Evolution
Huangli is extremely sensitive to fertilizer, so it is recommended to use slow-release fertilizer pellets, burying 5-8 pellets on the surface of the potting soil every half year. Liquid fertilizer should be diluted to one-fourth of the standard concentration and limited to once a month in spring and autumn. Burnt leaf tips are early signs of fertilizer damage.
Soil Hardening: Microbial Imbalance
The ideal substrate ratio is red jade soil: volcanic rock: peat = 5:3:2, and new soil should be changed every spring. Hardened soil can create an anaerobic environment, leading to outbreaks of pathogens such as Fusarium. Regularly loosen the soil with a gardening rake to maintain a soil porosity of >40%.
Three-Level Treatment Plan for Huangli Root Rot
Initial Symptom Emergency Treatment
When the bottom leaves become transparent, immediately stop watering and check the plant after removing it from the pot. Retain the healthy part of the main root longer than 3cm, disinfect the pruning shears with 75% alcohol, make a 45-degree斜切, apply sulfur powder, and place it in a cool and well-ventilated area to dry the roots for 5-7 days.
Intermediate Lesion Rescue Measures
When brown lesions appear on the lignified stem segments, they should be cut until the white vascular bundles are exposed. Soak in a 50% carbendazim solution (800 times dilution) for 20 minutes, then use a rooting medium of珍珠岩+蛭石 (2:1), combined with a grow light maintaining 12 hours/day of lighting, and control the ambient humidity between 60-70%.
Advanced Systemic Treatment Plan
For completely rotten plants, healthy leaves can be selected for regeneration: keep the petiole intact and place it flat on the surface of moist moss, and after 2 weeks, when callus tissue forms, transfer it to a seedling box. Maintain a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C, and transplant after 3-4 true leaves have unfolded.
By establishing a "dry-wet cycle" watering system, implementing a "frequent thin fertilization" nutritional strategy, and executing an "annual soil change" maintenance system, root rot in Huangli can be fundamentally prevented. Regularly observe the transparency changes at the base of the plant and use an infrared thermometer to monitor the moisture of the potting soil, allowing scientific maintenance to safeguard the health of succulents.