Root rot hides from our eyes and remains undetected for so long. By the time the first visible signs appear on the plant, its health is almost ruined. Now is the time to act quickly. But how?
Root rot is often recognized too late
Detect root rot with certainty
Identifying rotting roots is not easy because they are not visible to us surrounded by the earth. But at some point this disease cannot be overlooked on the rest of the plant. The typical picture shows a wilting plant. The plant needs water, the owner thinks, and waters it vigorously. The rot remains undiscovered, even accelerated with more moisture.
Root rot should always be considered in the case of wilting plant parts or changes to the leaves:
- Dig up and inspect the roots
- Look out for grey, brown or black discolouration
- rotting roots are often soggy
- they give off a musty smell
immediate measures
Root rot often means the end of the plant, but sometimes it can be saved. An effective preparation is not available on the market, especially since a wide variety of pathogens are at work. Since wet soil is a key contributor to the onset and progression of the disease, here's the key.
- Cut off the rotten roots completely
- Rinse root ball under running water
- Plant the plant in fresh soil
- use a new pot
tips
In the period that follows, keep the plant as dry as possible so that its roots can recover.
Root rot in the garden bed
If entire vegetable beds or specific outdoor plants are affected by root rot, the rescue is more difficult. The first thing to check is the casting behavior. Depending on the root disease, however, it may also be necessary to dispose of affected plants immediately and completely. However, some pathogens survive in the soil and often affect the same plant varieties. Therefore, pay attention to the crop rotation in the following years.
prevent root rot
Even if the affected plant dies from root rot, it is high time for preventive measures. Other plants and new purchases are also at risk of developing root rot over the course of their lives. At the very least, care errors should be minimized as risk factors.
- Avoid waterlogging / empty coasters
- use loose, well-drained substrate
- Use plant strengtheners
- always observe crop rotation in the bed