What to do about root rot in wax plants (Hoya)? Learn these 3 tricks and white roots will grow in 7 days

There are many causes of root rot in wax plants (Hoya): if it is caused by compacted, airless soil, then loosen the soil appropriately or replace it with well-aerated soil. If it is caused by excessive watering that creates standing water, then keep the soil in a half-dry, half-moist state, and do not water too heavily. If it is caused by over-fertilizing, then replace the potting soil or increase watering so the excess fertilizer is flushed out.

1. Replace the soil

Cause: If the soil used to grow wax plants (Hoya) is compacted and airless, the roots cannot breathe and become oxygen-starved, which leads to root rot, and the leaves also turn yellow.

Solution: Loosen the soil appropriately, or replace it with well-aerated soil. You can also add some well-aerated filler to the potting soil, such as perlite, to make the soil more airy. Once root rot is noticed, dig the plant out promptly, cut off the rotten roots, disinfect them, and then replant in fresh potting soil.

2. Water sensibly

Cause: Watering too heavily creates standing water, which easily causes root rot, and the leaves turn yellow and soft as well.

Solution: Try to keep the soil moist, and do not water too heavily or too frequently. A half-dry, half-moist state is best, and never let standing water form. When temperatures are low in winter, reduce watering or stop watering altogether.

3. Fertilize in moderation

Cause: Over-fertilizing causes fertilizer burn, the leaves turn yellow and soft, and root rot can also occur.

Solution: Do not apply too much fertilizer. If heavy fertilizing has caused root rot, you can replace the potting soil, or increase watering to let the excess fertilizer leach away. Do not apply too much fertilizer at one time either; especially unrotted fertilizer is more likely to cause root rot. After fertilizing, you can water moderately.