What to Do When Elephant Ear (Alocasia) Has Root Rot? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Treatment Methods

The cultivation methods for elephant ear (Alocasia) can be divided into two types: soil culture and water culture. No matter which cultivation method is used, elephant ear is very easy to keep alive, but if it is not cared for properly, problems such as root rot can still occur. So what should you do when elephant ear has root rot? Next, the editor will introduce the causes of root rot in elephant ear and the solutions!

Causes of root rot in elephant ear

1. Root rot in soil-cultured elephant ear is mainly caused by the potting soil being too wet. When the potting soil is too wet, the rhizomes of elephant ear are very prone to rotting. The reasons for the potting soil being too wet may be that you watered too much, causing water to accumulate in the pot, or that the soil is highly clayey, has poor air permeability, and easily accumulates water itself.

2. Root rot in water-cultured elephant ear often occurs mainly because the stem tissue of elephant ear is relatively loose, and if the water quality is very poor, it may cause root rot and stem rot. Also, when growing elephant ear in water, do not put the rhizome in the water; instead, put the roots in the water. In addition, some roots should be left so they can come into contact with the air, which helps the roots breathe. The rhizome of elephant ear is outside, and half of the grown roots are in the water and half in the air, which is good for root respiration.

What to do when elephant ear has root rot

1. Solution for root rot in soil-cultured elephant ear: Pull up the elephant ear, cut off the rotten roots, and also cut off a little of the healthy tissue near the rotten part to ensure that what remains is all white. After cutting the roots, be sure to let them dry, and after the wounds heal, plant them in soil that drains well, is fertile, and is slightly acidic. You can also apply some plant ash to the wounds for disinfection and sterilization. Note that the sap of elephant ear is toxic, so wear rubber gloves when cutting the roots to prevent poisoning yourself. After planting the elephant ear in the soil, remember to water only after the soil has dried out, and do not water when it is not dry. In addition, keep it in a ventilated place.

2. Solution for root rot in hydroponic elephant ear: Cut off the rotten part of the roots, wash the mucus off the tubers and root system, and change the water or nutrient solution. When growing it, be careful to keep the water in the bottle clean. You can also first grow it in soil, and after the plant returns to normal (has grown roots), then grow it in water.