How to treat root rot in Calathea? Learn the correct remedy
To solve the problem of root rot in Calathea, we need to work on removing it from the pot and draining the water, removing the soil and trimming the roots, mixing new potting soil, and controlling watering. After taking the plant out of the pot and draining the standing water, if the root rot is severe, remove the soil and cut off the rotten roots, then mix suitable new soil and replant it, and follow the principle of not watering until dry when watering and caring for it.
What to do when Calathea has root rot
1. Remove from pot and drain water
After the Calathea we are growing shows signs of root rot, we should promptly take the plant out of the pot and inspect it. Gently pat the side of the pot with your hand and the plant will come loose. After removing it from the pot, first drain the standing water from the soil. After the water is released, use tweezers or similar to check the condition of the root system. If the situation is not serious, let it dry and then repot it; if it is serious, remove the soil.
2. Remove soil and trim roots
If, after removing the soil from the Calathea we are growing, we find that the roots in the potting soil are rotting fairly seriously, we need to remove the soil from the plant. After removing the soil on top, use sterilized scissors to cut away the rotten roots, and also trim off old roots and dead roots along the way. Place it in a cool, ventilated place to dry and wait for the wounds to shrink.
3. Mix potting soil
While waiting for the Calathea with trimmed roots to dry, we need to mix soil that is suitable for planting and not prone to accumulating standing water. We can use sandy loam, perlite, garden soil, and humus soil mixed evenly together. This kind of soil is loose and porous, has good drainage and aeration, and has a certain amount of base fertilizer fertility, making it suitable for replanting.
4. Watering control
After planting the Calathea whose root wounds have already shrunk into the newly mixed potting soil, we need to water it. When watering, we should learn from the last root rot experience: do not water until the soil is dry, and when watering, water thoroughly, following the principle of watering when dry and letting it dry when wet, with the goal of keeping the soil in a moist state for a long time, and watering appropriately and moderately.