Houseplant Solutions: Root Rot
Root rot is exactly what it sounds like: the roots of a plant rot out. It happens fast; one moment your plant is smiling at the sunlight pouring through the window, and the next she’s hurled over the pot with no leaves left for comfort. Here’s the quick and dirty of it.
What Is It?
Root rot is a problem because of your soil, not your plant. It happens when bacteria, fungi and mold are thriving in your soil. This most commonly occurs because soil stay too wet for too long.
Can I prevent it?
Yes! When you get new plants, repot them within the first week in a soil medium with great drainage. Use pots that have drainage holes. Avoid leaving water in the drip trays. Ceramic pulls water from the soil, which helps to prevent the soil from being wet for too long. If you’re using plastic or fiberglass planters, go a little easier on the watering.
Can I fix it once it starts?
In an effort not to overpromise you unrealistic solutions, I’ll say no. Root rot will most likely take over the bulk of your plant’s root system before it shows you any signs of concern. BUT! If you pay attention to the subtle signs that make a plant more susceptible to root rot, you can intervene. So if your soil is still wet when you water it, stop. Give the top soil of your plant time to dry out (check out how to water your houseplants for more on this). If your soil smells moldy, has little mushrooms growing in it, or if your plant has any pests, repot your plant or do a hydro-rinse (water with 6 parts water, 1 part hydrogen peroxide). If your plant has more than one stalk or stump, like a birds of paradise or a rubber tree with multiple shoots coming up from the same pot, does it look like every section is infected? If not, great. Repot immediately and get the healthy sections into fresh soil.
