What to Do If the Radermachera sinica (China Doll) Has Root Rot? Learn the Correct Way to Handle It

1. Causes of root rot

① Too much water: many beginner growers assume, before they understand the plant, that a plant cannot lack water. So they water frequently; if the potting soil drains poorly and air circulation is also poor, the roots rot very easily.

② Over-fertilizing: when growing plants, if the plant looks listless or is not growing strongly, many people assume it lacks nutrients; some gardeners also use too strong a fertilizer concentration and apply it close to the roots; both situations cause root rot. In the first case, they do not understand why the plant is growing poorly and fertilize blindly, causing fertilizer to build up and resulting in fertilizer burn; in the second case, the fertilizer is too concentrated and applied near the roots, scorching the roots and ultimately causing them to rot.

③ Poor ventilation: especially in summer, when the environment is already hot and stuffy; if ventilation is poor for a long time, it invites pests and diseases, which in turn cause the roots to rot.

2. Solutions

First, dig the plant out of the soil, rinse the soil clinging to the roots with clean running water, then cut off the rotted roots, soak them in a fungicide for 12 hours, then drain off the water and let them dry in a shady spot for 1 day to 2 days; during this time you need to change the potting soil, and it is best to choose a soil mix with good aeration and drainage for replanting. If the rot is severe, it is best to just throw the plant away.