Spotted yellowing leaves and sad, droopy stems? We hate to break it to you, but… your plant might be facing the dreaded root rot.
But don’t stress! With the right steps, you can save it from the brink of extinction.
So, let’s dig into what causes root rot, how to fix it, and bring your plant back to life!
• What is Root Rot in Plants?
Root rot is a sneaky plant problem that starts below the surface—literally.
It happens when roots sit in wet, poorly-drained soil for too long, cutting off their oxygen supply and turning them soft, brown, and mushy.
Once rot sets in, it quickly spreads and weakens the plant. The leaves droop, yellow, and drop off.
Sounds scary? Don’t worry—it’s treatable if caught early, and even easier to prevent!
• How to Tell if Roots are Dead?
Not all root drama is visible at first glance, but here’s how to tell if they’ve given up.
Gently unpot your plant and inspect the roots—healthy ones are firm, white, or light tan. Dead roots? They’ll be brown or black, slimy, and might even smell funky (the stench is a big indicator).
If they fall apart when touched, it’s a sure sign they’ve rotted and need to go—stat!
Now the big question arises—"How to treat root rot in potted plants?" So, let's get into it and save your plants before it's too late!
• What is the Cure for Root Rot?
We're sure that if you've spotted signs of root rot, you're probably already panicking. But worry not! Here are a few simple steps to take to ensure that your plant comes back alive from this ordeal!
1. Gently remove your plant from its pot
Shake off as much old soil as possible without damaging the roots. Be gentle—your plant's had a rough time.
2. Inspect the roots and prune away!
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, snip off all the brown, black, mushy, or foul-smelling roots.
Only keep the firm, healthy ones.
3. Time to rinse those healthy roots
Give the remaining, healthy roots a gentle rinse with lukewarm water to wash off any leftover soil and potential fungal spores.
4. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil
Choose a clean pot with drainage holes and fill it with fresh, airy potting mix like Ugaoo's Pot-O-Mix.
This wonderful blend of 11 ingredients is already mixed with essential soil amendments such as coco peat and perlite to improve drainage, and cow manure to ensure proper nutrients reach your plant.
Explore Ugaoo's Pot and Planters for Perfect Health and Stunning Looks!
5. Hold off on watering (just for a bit!)
Let the soil stay lightly moist, not wet. Give your plant time to recover before getting back into a regular watering schedule.
6. Keep it in a bright, warm spot
Place your plant in a spot where it can soak up the indirect sunlight and breathe easy. No cold drafts or dark corners, please!
Root rot might seem scary, but with quick action and a lot of love, your plant can bounce back in no time!
Remember—good drainage, smart watering, and some root care go a long way!
