What causes root rot in pothos? Solve it this way for potted plants

The lush green potted pothos suddenly has slightly wilted leaves, and on closer inspection you find that the pothos has started to rot at the roots. Have any of you plant lovers encountered this situation? So how does such an easy-to-grow pothos end up with root rot? Let me tell you the causes of pothos root rot, and more importantly, I can also teach you how to deal with pothos root rot, so your pothos returns to life. Dear readers, keep reading below.

Pothos root rot is mainly caused by two reasons, and most cases are due to overwatering. Excess moisture retained in the soil causes the pothos root system to lack oxygen and breathe poorly, and over time, root rot becomes unavoidable. Once you find this is the cause, quickly move the pothos to a spot with light and good ventilation, then gently loosen the potting soil to speed up the evaporation of excess water.

Another cause of pothos root rot is that the soil itself contains bacteria. When moisture is plentiful, the bacteria in the soil act as if they have found a breeding ground and will rapidly multiply and spread, corroding the pothos root system. So when planting pothos, it is best to choose special-purpose plant soil from the market rather than blindly mixing your own. Once the pothos shows root rot, you should replace it with new fertile soil in time.

Causes and solutions of root rot in potted pothos

Pothos is an excellent foliage plant, also known as devil's ivy, golden pothos, golden vine, etc., and belongs to the genus Epipremnum. The lush green potted pothos suddenly has slightly wilted leaves, and on closer inspection you find that the pothos has started to rot at the roots. Have any of you plant lovers encountered this situation? Let's take a look below at what to do about pothos root rot.

What to do about pothos root rot?

1. Root rot in soil culture: Root rot in soil-grown pothos is generally caused by water accumulation, and at this point what you need to do is give the pothos a new home. Prepare new soil, add more large-particle soil such as peat, cut off the rotted roots of the pothos, wash them clean, and replant. If the original plant is truly too rotted to save, you can only cut off the branches and leaves and re-propagate by cuttings.

2. Root rot in water culture: Severe root rot in water-cultured pothos must be caused by the owner being too lazy to change the water. When the roots gradually turn to mush, accompanied by a foul odor, a perfectly good potted plant is ruined. But it is not a big deal: take the pothos out and cut off the rotted parts. In addition, be sure to wash the bottle clean and disinfect it along the way. Then change the water and re-grow it in water.

Causes of pothos root rot

1. Temperature too low: Pothos is a heat-loving plant, with the most suitable growth temperature of 15-25°C, and in winter it must not go below 10°C to survive the winter safely. When the temperature is too low, root growth is inhibited, making root rot easy.

2. Overwatering: Pothos likes water, but that does not mean it should be watered more. Watering simply provides moisture for the plant's growth. When watered too much, the soil becomes oxygen-deficient, the roots cannot get oxygen, and rot occurs.

3. Pathogen infection: When growing pothos, infection by pathogens is unavoidable. In a hot and humid environment, the plant is very susceptible to fungal attack.

4. Poor water quality: If the water used for pothos is dirty and contains large amounts of bacteria, then being in this environment for a long time means the roots cannot get enough nutrients, making root rot very easy.

[Causes of pothos root rot] What is going on with pothos root rot, and how to save it

Pothos is a relatively favored variety among potted plants. Although it is fairly easy to grow, there can still be some small problems during cultivation, such as leaf yellowing, root rot, and wilting. Below is an analysis of the causes of pothos root rot and how to deal with it.

Pothos is a heat-loving plant, with the most suitable growth temperature of 15-25°C, and in winter it must not go below 10°C to survive the winter safely. When the temperature is too low, root growth is inhibited, making root rot easy.

Pothos likes water, but that does not mean it should be watered more. Soil culture and water culture are different. In water culture, the water is changed frequently, and it is enough to ensure there is sufficient oxygen in the water. In soil culture, watering simply provides moisture for the plant's growth. When watered too much, the soil becomes oxygen-deficient, the roots cannot get oxygen, and rot occurs.

Bacterial infection is unavoidable. In a hot and humid environment, the plant is very susceptible to fungal attack.

Another important cause of root rot is dirty water quality. There are large amounts of bacteria in the water, and being in this environment for a long time means the roots cannot get enough nutrients, making root rot very easy.

When watering indoor potted plants, you must use clean water. If the water is not clean and introduces pathogenic bacteria, then root rot will not be the only problem. Many friends also choose to use nutrient-rich rice water for watering. I suggest you do not pour rice water directly into the flowerpot; it needs to be fully decomposed before use.

When pothos roots rot, the rotted stems turn black and decay. Take the pothos out of the pot, wash the soil clean, then cut off the rotted roots and rotted stems completely. Remember, you must cut them clean; better to cut more than to leave future trouble.

For plants with root rot, the roots must be disinfected. You can soak them in potassium permanganate solution or carbendazim solution for 20 minutes to achieve sterilization and disinfection. The cultivation pot should also be disinfected.

After disinfection and treatment, replant with new soil, then place it in a bright, ventilated spot, keep the soil moist, and wait for roots to form.