How to Save a Cactus with Rotting Roots
As a representative of desert plants, cacti are deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for their tenacious vitality. When signs of rotting roots such as soft plants and black bases are detected, how to scientifically treat and prevent secondary root rot becomes crucial. This article will systematically analyze the complete process of treating cactus root rot and provide a highly operable maintenance plan.
One, Complete Emergency Process for Cactus Root Rot
1. Urgent Potting Process
After detecting root rot, stop watering immediately and loosen the soil along the pot wall with a gardening铲. Gently shake and remove the plant base to avoid violent operations that damage healthy roots. After potting, retain 1/3 of the original soil ball diameter as a protective layer.
2. Precise Pruning of Rotting Roots
Use a pruning shear sanitized with alcohol to make an oblique cut 1cm above the rotting tissue. The cut should show healthy white flesh; if there are still brown spots, continue to prune upwards. Focus on treating hidden rotting points at the junction of the root and stem.
3. Wound Disinfection and Maintenance
Mix multi菌灵 with wood ash in a 1:3 ratio to create a fungicidal powder and apply it evenly to the cut. Place it in a cool and well-ventilated area for 3-7 days to allow the cut to fully keratinize and form a protective layer. In humid southern regions, this can be extended to 10 days.
Two, Preventive Maintenance System Construction
1. Smart Watering Plan
Use the 'soaking pot method' instead of traditional watering: choose a sunny morning each month and soak the pot in a water tray with a depth of 2cm for 15 minutes. Remove the pot immediately when the surface is slightly damp, ensuring the matrix humidity does not exceed 40%.
2. Scientific Fertilization Strategy
During the growing season (April-September), apply 3-5 granules of cactus-specific slow-release fertilizer every 20 days. Stop fertilizing during the winter dormancy period and mix bone meal as a base fertilizer when repotting in spring. Be especially careful to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can lead to thin cell walls.
3. Environmental Control Points
Maintain a 10°C temperature difference between day and night to stimulate root development, shade 40% during the summer noon, and maintain a winter survival temperature of above 8°C. Use an infrared thermometer to regularly check the potting soil temperature, ensuring that the root activity temperature is between 18-28°C.
By establishing a 'diagnosis-treatment-prevention' trinity maintenance system, combined with a specialized matrix with 70% particle content (akadama soil: volcanic rock: coconut bran = 5:3:2), the recurrence rate of root rot can be reduced by 80%. Remember to rotate the pot regularly to ensure even light exposure, allowing the cactus to regain its vitality.