Root Rot

You may be wondering why the leaves of your plants suddenly get dull and turn yellow before it reaches its death. This is a common site many gardeners experience. It is a frustrating condition, especially if you are not aware of the reason behind these premature deaths of your plants. In any case, unless you see presence of pests on the leaves, stems, and fruits of your plants then it is most likely suffering from root rot.

Causes of Root Rot
Root rot is a condition resulting to overwatered conditions. This creates an unhealthy condition for the roots, resulting to insufficient oxygen, which eventually leads to its death. However, before you see your lovely plants breathing its last breath, you are given an unsightly experience of witnessing it decaying and rotting away. Therefore, it is important to save the healthy roots from suffering the same fate.

Aside from overwatered conditions, root rots can also be a result of fungus infestation. These may lay dormant inside the soil and will only flourish when it experiences overwatered in a couple of instances. The fungus will be activated and start attacking the roots of your plants resulting it to die.

List of Common Fungus Causing Root Rot

Cochliobolus sativus, which is commonly seen in New South Wales and

Queensland

Phytophthora cinnamomi, which is commonly found in avocado trees

Chalara elegans, which is the primary cause of black root rot in Victoria and

Queensland

H. annosum, which affects most conifers in Australia

Characteristics of Root Rot
The following symptoms are signs that your plant is suffering from root rot:

slow wilting

leaves turning yellow

black and mushy roots

roots falling from the plant when touched

Treatment and Management of Root Rot
Once you have evaluated the condition of your plant, it is important to treat it immediately.

Remove the plant from the soil.

Wash the roots under running water.

Remove as much soil as you can while remaining to be gentle on the plant.

Trim away the affected roots. Do not be afraid to remove a significant part of root system because this is the only way you can save the entire plant from dying.

Prune the leaves of the plants to give better chances for the plant to survive since

it will only support a few leaves.

Wash the pot with bleaching solution to guarantee the death of unwanted fungus.

Dip the treated root in a fungicide solution to kill any fungus still lingering on it.

Repot the plant using a fresh mix of soil.

Remember to give it a good drainage and water the plant accordingly.

Do not commit the same mistake and over water your plants.

Avoid fertilizing the plant. Allow the roots to grow back and become healthy

before trying to feed the soil with helpful nutrients.

Be vigilant in taking care of your garden plants. If you notice anything unusual with their growth then be sure to see if it is caused by any lingering insect, otherwise go check its roots for possible root rot condition.