Reviving a Plant with Root Rot

Root rot is a dangerous condition that affects the roots of a plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or any other reason that results in the roots remaining wet for long periods of time. If a plant shows signs of root rot, such as yellow leaves or a bad odor, it's not too late to save it. In this guide, we'll discuss how to save a plant with root rot.

Remove the Affected Roots

The first step to saving a plant with root rot is to remove the affected roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot and examine the root ball. If the roots are brown, mushy or have a bad odor, they have rotted and need to be removed. Using a sharp, clean scissors, trim away any rotted roots, being careful not to damage the healthy ones. Remember, you only need to remove the roots that are affected by root rot, not all of them.

Re-pot the Plant

Once you have removed the affected roots, it's time to re-pot the plant. Choose a clean pot that is slightly bigger than the previous one, with good drainage holes. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, making sure to leave enough space for the root ball. Place the plant in the new pot and gently backfill with soil, taking care not to damage the remaining healthy roots. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.

Reduce Watering Frequency

To prevent further root rot, it is important to reduce the watering frequency after you have re-potted the plant. Overwatering is one of the main causes of root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out a bit in between waterings. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Also, make sure that the pot has good drainage, so that excess water can drain out and not remain in the soil.

Use a Fungicide

If the plant is still showing signs of root rot after you have re-potted it and reduced watering frequency, you may need to use a fungicide. A fungicide will help kill off any remaining fungus that may be causing the root rot to persist. Follow the instructions on the fungicide label carefully, as some may require dilution before use. Be sure to apply the fungicide to the soil surrounding the roots, and not directly on the plant itself.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have discussed how to save a plant with root rot. Remember, the key to saving a plant with root rot is early detection and prompt action. Remove the affected roots, re-pot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil, reduce watering frequency, and use a fungicide if necessary. With the right care and attention, your plant can recover from root rot and thrive once again.