Root Rot Rescue: How to Save Your Plants

Root Rot Rescue: How to Save Your Plants

Few things worry plant parents more than root rot. When once-healthy leaves turn yellow, stems droop, and the soil smells sour, panic sets in. But root rot is not always the end. With quick action and the right aftercare, you can often save your plant and even help it come back stronger.

This guide will show you how to identify root rot, rescue your plant, and prevent the problem from returning.

What is Root Rot

Root rot happens when roots sit in too much water for too long. Without oxygen, roots suffocate and begin to decay. Once rot sets in, the damaged roots cannot absorb water or nutrients, and the plant quickly declines.

Causes of root rot include:
 • Overwatering
 • Poor drainage in soil
 • Pots without drainage holes
 • Heavy, compacted mixes that trap water

How to Identify Root Rot

The earlier you catch root rot, the better the chance of saving your plant.

Above the soil signs:
 • Yellowing or browning leaves
 • Drooping stems despite wet soil
 • Stunted growth or sudden leaf drop

Below the soil signs:
 • Brown or black roots instead of white and firm
 • Soft, mushy texture
 • Foul, sour smell coming from the pot

Step by Step: How to Rescue a Plant with Root Rot

  1. Remove the plant from its pot
     Gently slide the plant out of the container. Shake or rinse away as much soil as possible to expose the roots.
  2. Trim away damaged roots
     With sterilized scissors or pruners, cut off all brown, mushy, or blackened roots. Keep only firm, white or light-colored roots.
  3. Clean the healthy roots
     Rinse with room temperature water. If the rot was severe, soak roots briefly in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to kill lingering bacteria and fungi.
  4. Repot in a fresh, airy medium
     Avoid heavy soil that retains too much water. Instead, use chunky mixes or switch to a mineral substrate like Lechuza Pon. Its airy structure and even moisture retention prevent roots from suffocating again.
  5. Reduce watering
     Water lightly at first and let the medium dry slightly before watering again. Gradually return to a normal routine as new roots grow.

For extra protection and faster regrowth, add Mykos when repotting. These beneficial microbes help roots absorb nutrients and resist future stress

Aftercare: Helping Roots Recover

A rescued plant needs gentle care to rebuild its root system.

  • Keep it in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun stresses recovering roots.
  • Feed lightly. Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer such as Foliage Focus after two to three weeks.
  • Maintain humidity. Extra moisture in the air reduces stress on weakened roots.
  • Be patient. Root recovery can take weeks to months depending on the severity of the rot.

How to Prevent Root Rot

The best cure for root rot is prevention.

Choose the right substrate:
Heavy soils often hold too much water. Lechuza Pon and other airy mixes give roots oxygen while still holding moisture evenly.

Add beneficial microbes:
Mykos colonizes roots with helpful fungi that improve water uptake and reduce disease risks.

Water wisely:
Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger into the mix or use a moisture meter.

Use proper pots:
Always choose pots with drainage holes. Decorative cachepots can be used, but keep the plant in a draining nursery pot inside.

FAQ: Root Rot

1. Can a plant fully recover from root rot?
 Yes, if some healthy roots remain and the plant is repotted in a proper medium like Lechuza Pon.

2. Should I fertilize right after repotting a plant with root rot?
No. Wait a couple of weeks before resuming feeding, and start with a gentle liquid formula like Foliage Focus.

3. Is root rot contagious to other plants? Rot is caused by fungi and bacteria that thrive in wet conditions. Always sterilize tools and dispose of old soil to avoid spreading.

4. Can I propagate a plant with root rot?
Yes. If healthy stems remain, take cuttings, dip them in Clonex Rooting Gel, and root them in water or Lechuza Pon to start fresh.

5. How do I know if it is too late?
If all roots are black and mushy and the stems are collapsing, recovery may not be possible. Propagation may be the only option.


Bringing It All Together

Root rot is a scary problem, but it is not always the end. By trimming damaged roots, repotting in a breathable medium, and supporting recovery with the right tools, you can often bring your plant back to health.

Protect your plants with Lechuza Pon for reliable moisture balance, Mykos for microbial support, and Foliage Focus for steady nutrition. With these essentials, your plants can recover from root rot and thrive again.

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