What to Do If a Spider Plant's Roots Rot? Learn How to Deal with Root Rot
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a household decorative plant commonly found in many homes; it can both purify the air and beautify the environment. However, after being grown for a long time, root rot may occur. So how should spider plant root rot be handled? What should be done when a spider plant's roots rot?
If the spider plant only has slight root rot, it is very likely caused by overwatering and soil that is too moist. At this point it needs careful attention to let it slowly recover. You should reduce the amount of water each day, watering once in the morning and once in the evening, then gradually reduce it to watering once a day or once every two days. In this way the spider plant's soil will not be too moist, and the root rot will slowly improve.
When there are signs of root rot in the spider plant, promptly move it outside to get some sun, but be careful not to expose it to prolonged direct sun. Seeing the sun and getting enough light is sufficient; about two hours of outdoor sun each day, and the mild root rot symptoms of the spider plant will generally slowly improve.
After appropriate watering and sun exposure, if the spider plant's root rot symptoms do not ease, you can appropriately use some plant nutrient solution. Be sure to add it strictly according to the instructions on the bottle, and do not use too much, so as to avoid the opposite effect. It is best to dilute it with clean water in proportion and spray it on the leaves; this is better for the plant to absorb nutrients than adding it to the soil.
Usually, a spider plant does not have just one root; if only a few of the spider plant's roots have rotted, you can separate the unrotted roots from the rotted roots and repot them in a new pot, which can ensure the spider plant continues to grow, and the rotted root parts can be thrown away.
If the spider plant's root rot is very serious, then the rotted roots must be cut off. Use a sterilized knife to cut off the rotted roots and throw them away, apply rooting hormone to the remaining part, then change to new soil, and in this way the spider plant will slowly grow new fleshy roots and thrive again.
If the spider plant's roots have completely rotted and the hope of regeneration is slim, then transplant and cultivate it promptly. You can use the small plantlets on the spider plant's runners for transplanting; in the growing season, cut off the small plantlets on the runners and plant them in potting soil or water, and after the small plantlets grow roots, transplant them into a pot. This way you can successfully cultivate a new spider plant.
After growing a plant for a long time, you also develop a certain affection for it. If you want to save a spider plant with root rot, you can refer to the methods shared above.