What to Do When a Money Tree's Roots Turn Soft? Causes and Remedies
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a flowering plant that many growers cultivate, not only because its name carries an auspicious meaning, but also because its ornamental value is relatively high. However, although many people grow money trees, plenty of problems often arise during cultivation. Soft roots are one of them, and in severe cases soft roots can lead to the death of the money tree. So what should you do when a money tree's roots turn soft? Let's take a look below!
1. Prune Away the Rotten Roots
When a money tree's roots turn soft, it shows up on the plant's trunk, leaves, branches and other organs. This causes a serious decline in the money tree's ornamental value, and if the roots have turned soft, there is a high probability that they have begun to rot. At this point, in order to reduce the rotting portion of the money tree's roots, you should promptly prune away the roots that have already rotted. First, take the entire money tree plant out. Remove the soil from the roots completely, check the specific rotted parts of the roots, and then cut them away together with the old roots. This prevents the rotting area of the roots from expanding and the plant ultimately losing its ability to grow.
2. Disinfect and Replant
After pruning away the rotten roots of the money tree, you should replant the plant into soil promptly so that it can regain its growth capacity as soon as possible. Before replanting, however, you first need to disinfect the money tree. For the disinfectant, you can choose easy options such as carbendazim or potassium permanganate; dilute the solution, then place the roots directly into it to disinfect. After disinfection, provide the plant with a shady environment and let it dry naturally in the shade. Once dry, you can begin replanting. When replanting, prepare new soil and a new pot to prevent bacteria present in the old pot and soil from infecting the money tree's healthy roots again.
3. Provide Light
After treating a plant whose roots have turned soft, light is essential if the money tree is to regain its original growth capacity as quickly as possible. Therefore, after replanting, be sure to provide the money tree with a certain amount of light. However, pay attention to light intensity: the light must not be too strong, otherwise it may worsen the condition and cause the money tree to die. This is especially true during the seedling recovery period, when it must not be exposed to scorching sun. It is best to let the money tree receive a moderate amount of light in the early morning and evening so that the leaves can carry out photosynthesis.
4. Control Fertilizer and Water
There are many causes of soft roots in money trees. These include improper water and fertilizer practices: excessive watering or overly high fertilizer concentration can both cause a money tree's roots to turn soft. Although the money tree likes a relatively moist environment, the soil must not become waterlogged, otherwise the roots cannot breathe and will be soaked soft and gradually rot. If the fertilizer concentration is too high, the roots may be burned. Therefore, before fertilizing, be sure to dilute the fertilizer thoroughly, which both reduces the threat of fertilizer burn and allows the roots to absorb it well.
The above is a brief introduction to what to do when a money tree's roots turn soft. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and we hope it can help you!