Root rot is one of the most common plant ailments often dreaded by gardeners. It's a condition in which the plant’s roots begin to decompose due to excess moisture and a lack of oxygen. It can affect any plant at any time of the year but is most prevalent during the cooler months when overwatering is common.

Causes of Root Rot

• Low oxygen levels in the soil: Root rot is primarily caused by overwatering, which leads to waterlogged soil and prevents roots from getting enough oxygen.
• Overpotting: Where a plant is placed in a pot that is too large, is another cause. This is because the roots are not extensive enough to absorb the excess moisture, leaving the soil soggy too long.
• Soil fungi: Certain fungi can lie dormant in the soil and cause root rot, especially after repeated overwatering.

Signs of Root Rot

To spot root rot early, look for the following signs:

• Slow growth: The plant’s growth may stall despite being in ideal conditions.
• Mushy stems and wilting yellow leaves: If your plant’s leaves turn yellow or mushy and you’re watering properly, it’s a sign that root rot may be at play.
• Foul smell: The soil will emit a rotten or sour smell.
• Discoloured roots: Healthy roots are white or pale while rotting roots will appear dark and mushy, often reddish-brown.

How to Fix Root Rot

If caught early, root rot can be reversed. Here’s how to save your plant:

1. Remove affected soil and roots: Gently remove the plant from its pot and cut off any rotting roots. Trim back any mushy or discoloured roots, leaving only healthy ones.
2. Cut the plant back: Trim the plant to 1-2 nodes above the soil level. For larger plants (e.g., Ficus), you may need to cut back to half the original size, including halving large leaves.
3. Repot with fresh soil: To reduce the chances of root rot reoccurring, use the Oderings Houseplant Potting Mix, which contains Trichoderma (a natural fungicide).
4. Downsize the pot: Repot the plant into a smaller container than before, as it won’t have enough roots to take up excess moisture. For instance, move from a 12 cm pot to a 10 cm pot.
5. Support vining plants: If you have a vining plant, use florist pins to pin the vine to the soil to encourage new root growth.
6. Use a heating pad: After repotting, place the plant on a heating pad and water it gently. Water should only reach about one-third of the pot's depth (e.g., for a 15 cm pot, water about 5 cm deep). Avoid overwatering until new roots begin to grow.

Soil Perfection – Oderings Houseplant Potting Mix

Oderings Houseplant Potting Mix is designed to aid plant health. It contains coir fibre, a sustainable and hydrating material that helps with aeration. This mix includes a vegan vermicast to provide a gentle, three-week feed, and adding Trichoderma (Egmont Rootmate) helps reduce the risk of root rot by acting as a natural fungicide.

Oxygen Plus – A Solution for Root Rot

To help treat and prevent root rot, try Oxygen Plus, a powerful tool in plant care:

1. Mix: Combine one part Oxygen Plus with one part water.
2. Apply: Pour the mixture around the plant’s roots, ensuring it doesn't touch the leaves.

Oxygen Plus is a solution that utilises hydrogen peroxide to provide oxygen to plant roots, helping to promote healthier growth and recovery from root rot. It can also be used for general cleaning and care around your home and garden.

Following these steps and using the right tools and soil can help your plants recover from root rot and create a healthier growing environment.