Why do hosta roots rot? Causes and solutions

Hosta is a common potted flowering plant, and during cultivation you often run into some problems, and root rot is one of the hard-to-notice ones, seriously affecting the growth of the hosta. So how should hosta root rot be solved? Let's take a look.

I. Causes of root rot

The first cause of hosta root rot is overwatering. When too much water is given, the plant cannot take it up, and the roots stay soaked in water for a long time, which leads to suffocation and root rot. Another cause is loose soil: when watering, nutrients are easily lost with the draining water, so the roots do not get enough nutrients, and over time they rot. Yet another cause is bacterial damage: during cultivation, if no disinfection or technical handling of dead branches and fallen leaves is done, or if the growing environment is humid, bacteria multiply in large numbers and cause root rot.

II. Solutions

1. Cut off the rotten roots

After discovering root rot in the hosta, take it out of the pot promptly, then trim off the rotten roots, disinfect the wounds, apply plant ash, and finally place it in a cool place to let the wounds heal, which generally takes half a day.

2. Replace the soil

After cutting off the rotten roots, promptly clear away all the original potting soil and choose new soil for planting; generally use a moist, loose soil with good aeration and drainage, or you can use peat and leaf mold mixed with river sand for care. After the soil and flower pot have been sterilized by sun exposure, fill the pot with soil, ensuring the potting soil has no bacteria so as to avoid a second infection.

3. Replant

Once the wounds have dried, put it into the prepared potting soil and replant it. Note that after planting you should firm the soil around the roots, and do not water immediately; just keep the ambient temperature above 5°C.

4. Later care

After replanting, later care is extremely important: water less and fertilize less. Generally, water and fertilize three days after replanting; the fertilizer needs to be diluted with water, and usually apply a thin fertilizer solution once every 1-2 months, so that new roots can grow again after one month.

  The above is an introduction to the causes of hosta root rot and the solutions, hoping it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.