What to Do If Your Kalanchoe Has Root Rot? Here's the Correct Way to Handle It
1. Cut Away the Rotted Roots
Take the kalanchoe out of the potting soil, clean the dirt off the roots, then use scissors to cut away the roots that have already rotted; sterilize the scissors beforehand. Any root that has turned brown must be cut off, cutting back to where the stem shows no rot. Otherwise, the rot can easily worsen if it is not cleaned up thoroughly.
2. Disinfect the Roots
After cutting away all the rotted parts, disinfect the cut surfaces on the roots by applying carbendazim to the roots. This prevents infection from returning, then place it in a ventilated spot.
3. Prune
If the kalanchoe has grown flower buds, cut them off promptly; leaving them will drain more nutrients and is also very unfavorable for re-rooting. However, its leaves must be kept, as they help the roots along the branches grow out more healthily and quickly. Proper pruning is very beneficial for its regrowth.
4. Replant
Kalanchoe can also be grown in water; it will easily grow new roots, in about 15 days or so. Once its roots have grown, simply put it in potting soil for normal care. In everyday care, be careful not to water too much, and fertilize in the right amount. Do not give it unrotted fertilizer, and do not over-fertilize, to avoid root rot caused by fertilizer burn.