Root rot
CLASSIFICATION
Abiotic, water-related issue
ABOUT
Root rot is an abiotic disorder caused by prolonged exposure to overwatered conditions usually due to overwatering or a poor drainage system. Some roots can eventually start to decay or rot away spreading the rot to other roots even after the conditions are back to normal. Symptoms include wilting and discoloration of leaves, stunted growth, and cankers. However, the symptoms are often not apparent until the disease is advanced.
How to treat?
- Biological
Replant the plant into fresh soil and remove all infected roots.
If the infection is not extensive, you can use cinnamon as a natural fungicide.
Temporarily move the plant to a more shady place (roots might be damaged and do not manage to supply the plant with water).
In the garden: if the disease is localized, destroy the infected plant even with the soil around roots.
- Chemical
If necessary, apply a fungicide. Choose fungicide based on suspected pathogen and plant species.
- Disease prevention
Improve soil drainage (e.g. by adding compost to the soil or rocks to the bottom of the pot). Ensure having drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Avoid overwatering. If possible, water plants only when the soil gets dry (but not too dry).
Aeriate the soil (e.g. by adding perlit or sand into the soil).
Disinfect tools, infected flower pots, and hands to avoid disease transmission.