What is Root Rot? Root rot is a plant disease that can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or by soil fungi.
The explanation given is that the roots need oxygen; they will rot and die if they're in standing water for too long. But a lot of the same plants will root if you take a cutting and place it in water for long enough.
Some plants will root in water, but cuttings will develop a better root system when rooted in a soil-less potting mix. Sand or perlite can also be used, especially for cuttings that need good drainage and may rot if kept too wet.
When you're preparing your garden beds for a new season, don't rip your plants out of the ground, roots and all. If you do, you'll be robbing your soil microbes of a good meal and degrading your long-term soil fertility.
Use rooting hormones: Consider using a rooting hormone, available in powder or liquid form, to stimulate root growth. Dip the cut ends of the stem in the rooting hormone before placing them in water.
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.
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.
The fungus may lie dormant in the soil indefinitely and then suddenly flourish when the plant is overwatered once or twice. The root rot fungus attacks the roots and causes them to die and rot away.
However, bottom watering is a more controlled method of watering your plants. By remembering to check your plant every ten minutes or so while it's sitting in water, you can significantly reduce your chances of overwatering and causing root rot.
Root Rot can also be caused from overwatering alone without the presence of fungi or bacteria. If your plant's roots sit in too much water without drying out, they will begin to rot away and the rot can spread to healthy roots even after the soil has dried.
Too much water also creates favorable conditions for the growth of soil-borne water molds and fungi. These soil-borne pathogens infect the roots, and they cause the roots to decay. Soil-borne water molds such as Pythium, and fungi such as Fusarium, are the usual culprits of root rot.
Once root rot is identified, you must determine if the plant can be saved. If the entire root system has already become mushy, it is too late to save the plant. However, if some healthy, white, firm roots exist, try to bring the plant back to good health by replanting in fresh soil with good drainage.
Root rot is a very common houseplant disease that's usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection on the roots of a plant. These microorganisms thrive in wet soil and eventually cause a plant's roots to suffocate and rot. Roots are also likely to rot when they are exposed to overly moist conditions for too long.
Hydrogen peroxide to treat Root Rot
H202 kills the bacteria and fungi in the soil responsible for root rot, and restores oxygen to help remaining roots recover faster. Directions: 1:1 ratio of Oxygen Plus 3% and water. Bottom water or top water so potting mix is fully saturated.
Apart from being more mindful of how often and how much water you give your plants and plant roots, you can also use a mixture of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide concentration mixed in 1 quart of water once a week to encourage healthy root growth in your plants' roots or treat the spread of root rot and root decay.
Baking soda has a pH of around nine, and its alkalinity will act as poison for fungi. It will eliminate it from the roots by alkalizing the soil and preventing it from developing.
Baking Soda Fungicide
Common household baking soda is a natural product used for combating plant fungus problems. Mix 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 2-1/2 tbsp. of vegetable oil in 1 gallon of tap water.
By strategically sprinkling cinnamon around the edge of containers and baskets, most pests will simply leave it alone and move on. Even with its strong smell, cinnamon will not cause any harm to the plants.
Willow water has been used as a natural rooting hormone for centuries. It's made by steeping young, freshly cut willow twigs in plain water for 24 to 72 hours. Keep the container in a dark, cool spot while you await the brew. Filter out the willow stems and plan to use it right away on your cuttings.
Technically, you can transfer your cuttings to soil at any time. In fact, you can actually propagate directly into soil, however, it's much harder to do within your home. When you propagate in soil, you have to keep a good balance of soil moisture, air flow, and humidity.
Stunting may be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or nematode (eelworm) infections and by noninfectious (abiotic) means including an excess or lack of water, imbalance of soil nutrients, excess light, chemical or mechanical injuries, insect or mite feeding, and too-deep planting.