Potted Plant Root Rot Identification and Treatment
Suddenly wilted and yellow leaves in potted flowers? Chances are high that root rot is the culprit! As a key organ for plant absorption, once the roots rot, it triggers a chain reaction. This article provides 4 observation methods and a 5-step emergency plan to guide you in saving the root rot crisis.
Four Techniques for Identifying Root Rot in Potted Plants
Soil Moisture Test Method
In high-temperature summer conditions, the surface of the potting soil should show a light white color 24 hours after watering a healthy plant thoroughly. If the soil is still moist and sticky after 48 hours, it indicates that the capillary roots have lost their water absorption function; if it remains dry for 72 hours, the main roots have rotted. This method is particularly suitable for moisture-loving but water-accumulation-sensitive species like azaleas and camellias.
Leaf Color Abnormality Observation Method
When comparing plants of the same species, if a plant shows leaf gray-whitening or abnormal yellow leaf drop during non-seasonal periods, it is often a sign of excessive watering and fertilizing. For example, if the new leaves of gardenia turn yellow but the veins remain green, it is highly likely that积水 has caused the nutrient roots to rot.
Leaf Shape Abnormality Diagnostic Method
Fleshy-rooted plants like kaffir lilies and orchids are most prone to longitudinal leaf wrinkles. When new leaves show wavy deformation, it indicates that the roots in that direction have died. If this condition is not addressed promptly, it will lead to plant growth stagnation, requiring immediate root pruning measures.
Leaf Tip Burn Warning Method
Brown leaf tip burn requires caution about two conditions: one is root rot touching the pot, commonly seen in deeply potted orchids; the other is root rot caused by积水 in an overly large pot, often occurring in新手's care of money trees. If the leaves also show water-stained spots, it may be concurrent with bacterial diseases.
Five-Step Root Emergency Plan
Emergency Water Stoppage and Drying
Immediately stop watering when signs of root rot are detected, and move the pot to a well-ventilated area. For moisture-retaining substrates like pine needle soil, use chopsticks to create air holes in the soil, and for ceramic pots, remove the pot to expose the roots to the air to accelerate moisture evaporation.
Precise Root Pruning
Remove the rotting black flesh roots and retain the healthy white root tips. fleshy plants need to be dried for 2 days after pruning, and aerial roots like orchids should be treated with fungicide powder. Retaining 1/3 of the old roots can stimulate new root growth.
Soil Resetting Technique
Use a mix of 3:2:1 of perlite, decomposed leaf soil, and coarse river sand as the potting medium, with a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage. For plants with severe root rot, start with sphagnum moss to grow roots, and then transfer to soil cultivation once new roots have grown.
Disinfection and Care Essentials
After repotting, water with a solution of metalaxyl-M at 1500 times, and keep the bag moist with 2 hours of ventilation every day. For the first two weeks, use a rooting hormone solution instead of regular watering, and after the new leaves have unfolded, return to normal care.
Environmental Control Strategy
Keep a constant temperature of 18-25°C during the emergency period and avoid direct sunlight. Use the immersion method to water the plants and maintain an air humidity of over 70%. Supplement with seaweed extract and other organic root promoters monthly to help rebuild the root system.
Prevention is better than cure! Regularly check the potting soil's breathability, use a moisture meter during the rainy season, and replace the granular soil every 2 years for fleshy-rooted plants. Mastering these techniques will help your potted plants completely摆脱 the困扰 of root rot and regain vibrant greenery.