Some houseplant issues are easy to solve for: Plant not getting enough water?
Give it a good soak, and it should perk right up.
Notice your greenery has outgrown its pot?
Transfer it to a larger one, and it can bounce back in no time.
Here are some pro tips on spotting, treating, and preventing this leading cause of houseplant death.
What is root rot?
Root rot is a relatively common houseplant disease that’s usually brought on by a bacterial or fungal infection.
These pathogens thrive in wet soil and eventually cause a plant’s roots to suffocate.
Roots can also rot when they are exposed to overly moist conditions for too long.
So when they die off, the rest of the plant tends to do the same.
The roots start to die and disable nutrient uptake, which then leads to plant death."
What does it look like?
Neese says thatyellow and black leavesare one indication of potential rot.
These discolored leaves might also look dry and shriveled, despite regular watering.
If small fungus gnats have settled around your plant, it’s another bad sign.
Once you diagnose root rot, it’s time to do some damage control.
What causes it?
There are a few reasons your plant’s roots might be in jeopardy.
Here are three causes of root rot:
Can a plant recover from root rot?
If your plant still has some intact roots throughout, it might be salvageable.
You still might be able to grow a new plant from one of its healthy stems or leaf cuttings.
Here’san introduction to that propagation process.
How to prevent root rot moving forward.
Since root rot is usually triggered by excess moisture, proper watering is the best form of prevention.
If you’re prone to overwatering, Neese says that usinga moisture metermight help you break the habit.
Making sure that your plant has proper drainage is also key.
The bottom line.
Root rot harms houseplants' root systems, and it usually happens in soil that’s too moist.
While it’s a major cause of plant death, it is treatable if you catch it early enough.
