What to Do When a Dragon Tree Has Root Rot? Learn the Correct Way to Handle It

  When you notice the leaves of your potted dragon tree drooping and wilting, you may not realize that the plant's root system inside the pot has already rotted. So, what causes root rot? In fact, most potted plants develop root rot due to overwatering, poor drainage in the pot leading to prolonged moisture, and water accumulation. The dragon tree is certainly no exception, especially since the dragon tree itself is a relatively drought-tolerant plant with low water requirements. Root rot in the plant is mostly caused by overwatering, so the first thing we need to check and address is whether the soil is too moist.

  So, what should you do when a dragon tree has root rot? When you discover that your dragon tree has root rot, don't panic, as it may still be worth saving. Next, let me walk you through the rescue measures for a dragon tree with root rot.

  1. Remove the dragon tree from the pot. Of course, be careful during the repotting process to avoid damaging the parts of the plant above the soil and the roots within the soil, which would further worsen the damage.

  2. After removing the plant, gently shake off the excess potting soil to expose the root system. At this point, you will find that many roots have already become moldy and rotten. What we need to do is use sterilized scissors to cut away the rotten and dead parts of the root system, preserving as many healthy roots as possible, while also cutting away the overly thin and elongated old, weak, diseased, and damaged roots.

  3. After completing the root pruning, you also need to properly prune the branches and leaves. Dead and dry branches and leaves can be cut off directly, and some old and weak branches and leaves should also be removed. You also need to cut away branches and leaves in areas that are too dense. The extent to which you retain the plant's branches and leaves should be based on how much of the root system was pruned, so as to reduce the burden on the roots and improve the chances of a successful rescue.

  3. After pruning the roots, branches, and leaves, apply some substance with bactericidal and disinfecting properties to the wounds, such as carbendazim or plant ash. In short, anything that can sterilize and disinfect without harming the plant's roots will work. You can even place the plant in the sun to dry for a while until the surface no longer seeps water. Of course, before exposing it to light, it is recommended to first spray the branches and leaves with clean water to keep them moist.

  4. Next, prepare to replant the organized plant into a pot. Before potting, first mix a new growing medium. You can use clean river sand + humus soil + garden soil in a 5:3:2 ratio, keeping the soil slightly moist or on the dry side.

  5. Pour some of the new growing medium into the flower pot, then plant the dragon tree, and cover it well with soil. Finally, place the repotted dragon tree in a cool, well-ventilated spot for care and management. In the initial stage, besides appropriately supplementing some water on the leaves by misting the plant, do not water the pot directly. Also ensure the temperature is maintained, and after about 20-plus days, you will find that the plant has returned to a normal growth state.

  If the plant ultimately cannot be saved, don't be discouraged. It is recommended to replant it by cuttings. As long as you pay attention to watering management in future care, I believe similar incidents will not happen again. Even so, it can still help you accumulate some valuable care experience. Besides doing things well, we should also always look on the bright side.