If you’ve ever pulled up a suffering plant only to find a dying, rotting root system, you know how damaging root rot can be. However, root rot can take many forms and often causes symptoms similar to those of other plant diseases and pests. In this article, we will explore what root rot is and how to protect your plants from it.
What is Root Rot?
Root rot is a general term used to describe any disease where harmful pathogens attack and deteriorate a plant’s root system. These pathogens cause the roots to die, leading to the plant suffering and eventually dying as well.
What Causes Root Rot? Root rot is commonly caused by fungi that attack the roots of plants. Many fungi are responsible for root rot, but generally, they thrive in severely moist environments. Root rot is most likely to occur in overwatered soil or soil with poor drainage. Allowing water to pool around the root base greatly increases the chances of root rot taking hold. Additionally, if roots are damaged, they can be more susceptible to root rot because they are not strong enough to defend against fungi and other pathogens.
How Can I Tell If My Plants Have Root Rot?
Above-ground signs of root rot often resemble symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. Stunted growth, wilting, and discoloration are common indicators. If you notice these signs, check your soil moisture to see if overwatering or poor drainage might be causing the problem. Also, consider other factors that might be contributing to the issue.
You can also inspect the roots, but be cautious, as this can cause further damage and reduce the chances of recovery for many plants. If a plant is severely damaged, examining the roots may provide useful information to help save other plants in the area or to inform future plantings.
How to Treat and Prevent Root Rot
Improving drainage and watering appropriately are the most immediate ways to prevent root rot. Once root rot has taken hold, several factors affect whether a plant can recover. There are chemicals available to treat many of the fungal causes of root rot, but accurate diagnosis of the specific fungus is necessary before applying any treatments.
Water meters can be useful for determining the moisture content of your soil. Research your specific plants to find their ideal moisture levels. Another promising prevention measure is the introduction of beneficial mycorrhizae to the landscape before planting. These organisms occupy space that harmful fungi might otherwise inhabit.
Root rot can be severely damaging to plants, but by monitoring soil moisture and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of root rot affecting your plants.
