Spores from root rot causing agents do contaminate other plants, but the rot cannot take hold unless there is adequate moisture. Spores are not only airborne, but are also carried by insects and other arthropods in the soil.
There are two causes for root rot, but the main cause is poorly drained or overwatered soils. These soggy conditions prevent roots from absorbing all the oxygen they require to live. As the oxygen-starved roots die and decay, their rot can spread to healthier roots, even if the soggy conditions have been rectified.
The fungus can be spread in water, soil, by infected plants or vectored by fungus gnats and shore flies. Some sources of peat are known to harbor Thielaviopsis spores.
If you've gone through the ordeal of rescuing a plant from root rot, the last thing you want to do is reintroduce a possible cause of the problem. Dump any potentially contaminated soil, and purchase new potting mix as needed. 2. Water as needed.
Once established, root rot is hard to treat. The best you can do is remove the parts of the plant that are dying (including the roots) and provide it with fresh soil. If the root rot is widespread and has affected most of the plant's roots and foliage, the plant may be beyond saving.
Signs of root rot are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant). Usually the soil will smell rotten and the roots will appear to be reddish brown.
If your plant succumbs to root rot, you can reuse the soil in a new plant, however, you'll have to take a few important steps first, such as sanitizing it (which we describe below).
Some plants die rapidly, while others only show signs of disease during periods of stress such as drought. Root rot spreads between plants by root-to-root contact and by the release of microscopic spores that can move through the soil.
If plants died from bacterial, fungal or viral disease, then you definitely do not want to reuse the soil, as soilborne pathogens can still be present and active. However, if the plants that grew in the soil before were healthy, it is generally OK to reuse the potting soil.
In the most extreme cases, when conditions are ideal for the fungus to spread quickly, plants can die within 10 days. If these symptoms occur in a plant, loosen the soil around the base of the plant with a hand trowel or shovel and remove the plant from the soil.
The fungus overwinters and survives for many years in the soil as spores. Long distance spread is by transplants and in soil on farm machinery. Spores are airborne in greenhouses. The disease is favored by cool soil temperatures.
Hydrogen peroxide can help to control fungal growth and fungal infection, such as root rot, by preventing the growth of fungi. It can also help kill fungus and bacteria on plant roots.
Another product that'll help prevent the spread of root rot is non-flavoured cinnamon. After having removed the dead roots, sprinkle a thin layer onto the healthy tissue before placing into a bed of new compost.
Lack of oxygen in the water
Plants that grow in water absorb oxygen from the water, whereas regular soil plants get their oxygen from the soil. So, it is crucial to refill the water in your planters regularly to oxygenize the water and avoid root rot.
To dry out soil quickly, you can apply hydrated lime to the soil, add compost and then turn the soil thoroughly to aerate it. Adding hydrated lime and compost will help absorb the water in your soil, and turning it all will help distribute the water in the waterlogged soil throughout your garden.
Unfortunately yes, root rot can be transferred from one plant to another. The fungal spores are airborne and can also be transported by insects as well as dirty gardening tools.
Depending on the circumstances and severity of over-watering your roots may need more time for recovery than others! The good news is that most plants will bounce back between 7-14 days if they're given proper care (which includes rehydration).
We advise not to right away, but within the same week of repotting is fine. The Soil should be slightly, naturally moist, so water when the top few inches feel dry as per normal. If you have treated your plant, it shouldn't be a problem again. Lastly do not fertilise your plant after root rot for a few months!
Repot the plant in a planter with new, damp soil. Let the soil dry out completely before watering the plant again. Let the soil dry out completely in the planter, then water it thoroughly with the hydrogen peroxide mix. Repeat this process until you start to see your plant getting better.
The first signs of root rot will be above ground. As the roots stop functioning, your plant will start to yellow and wilt all over. If you have a plant that's made up of several stems in the same pot, it's possible only one stem will get root rot.
If they look dark brown and mushy rather than firm and white or tan as they should be, your plant probably is suffering from root rot.
If the soil smells bad (like a swamp) or slightly sulphurous, that's another good indication that you may have some rot to deal with.
Mix one part 3% percent hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and carefully pour it over the root of your plant system with a watering can or spray bottle. This will kill off the bacteria which cause root rot.