Effective Tips To Prevent And Treat Root Rot in Houseplants
Of all the ailments that can harm your green babies, only a few are as fatal and disturbing as root rot. But don’t fret just yet—you can nurse the roots and help them recover.
Root rot is not an uncommon issue in potted plants, but it is also one problem that can easily be avoided if you follow some basic rules of drainage and watering. But we got you covered even if it is too late. Here are some tips that can prevent and treat root rot in houseplants.
Drain your plants properly.
Place your plant in a pot facilitated with drainage holes. If the pot does not have any drainage holes, make some to allow the excess water to seep out.
Check the soil
Always check the soil before watering your plant. Most houseplants thrive better when they have dry or moist soil, so based on the plant you own, you may consider avoiding watering until the surface of the soil is dry.
Maintain a consistent watering schedule
Most houseplants need regular watering. Sporadic watering can harm the health of your plant because it often implies that you are not allowing enough time to the plant to let it soak the water between consecutive waterings. Thus, resulting in root rot.
Clean the roots
Once the roots of your plant begin rotting, take it out of the vessel or pot and carefully discard as much soil as you can, and chop out the affected or any mushy roots with scissors or clean shears. Place your plant under running water and gently clean the remaining roots to remove any soil.
Dispose of the soil
You may not be sure if the root rot was caused by a fungal infection, but you should still discard the potting soil as a precautionary measure. If the potting soil contains spores, you should not run the risk of repotting your plant in it.
Re-pot in fresh soil.
To prevent root rot in the future, separate the remaining healthy roots and gently cover them in a well-draining fresh potting mix that suits your plant. Instead of using ordinary soil from your garden or backyard, place your plant in a potting mix, specifically designed for potted plants, and contain a mixture of lightweight materials that can prevent the soil from compacting.
Breathe your green babies back to life with these simple gardening techniques and keep them nurtured.
