How to handle root rot in Aeonium 'Zwartkop' so it can re-root

Aeonium 'Zwartkop' is a very distinctive succulent, one could even call it magical, because its leaves are the only jet-black, glossy variety discovered in the succulent world so far. Although its leaves are jet-black and glossy, this does not detract at all from its beautiful and lovely image in people's minds. That is why Aeonium 'Zwartkop' has always been able to secure a place in the succulent world and is deeply loved by everyone.

But Aeonium 'Zwartkop' is relatively drought-tolerant and quite sensitive to water, so root rot easily occurs when it is overwatered. Its root system is very well developed, especially in mature plants, whose roots are very dense and fine, mostly fibrous roots, so when water accumulates in the pot, root rot is easily triggered. And after root rot occurs, we naturally need to rescue it in time, otherwise the plant may die.

Aeonium 'Zwartkop' has extremely strong vitality. Even if its root system completely rots away, as long as the main stem and branches and leaves are still in good condition, we can take its main stem by beheading and re-root it through cuttings. However, after beheading it, we must remember to dry the cut, otherwise the plant will have difficulty surviving smoothly, since a fresh wound in direct contact with moisture in the potting soil is very prone to infection, which leads to the main stem rotting.

To let the plant survive smoothly, after cutting off its head, we must dry the wound for several days, or even for 1-2 weeks, until the wound heals or congeals and dries. There is no need to worry about whether the plant will die, because its vitality is strong, and drying it for ten days to half a month generally does no harm. The only thing is not to put it under direct blazing sun, because blazing sun will accelerate the evaporation of moisture inside the plant and cause it to dry out and die. For drying the wound, simply place it in a well-ventilated, sunny spot.

After the wound has healed well, we then plant the plant in the potting soil as a cutting. Because Aeonium 'Zwartkop' has strong vitality and roots easily, planting it directly into the pot is also fine. But generally we use moist soil for potting, which avoids watering after potting; however, if the wound can be guaranteed to have completely healed, we can even water directly after potting, but to be safe, generally following the former method is more reliable.

One week after potting, once the potting soil has dried, we then water it appropriately. But to promote rooting and prevent wound infection, it is recommended to drip a little rooting solution and carbendazim into the water, shake it well, and then pour it into the pot of Aeonium 'Zwartkop'. As long as the growing environment is suitable, if all goes well, it can root smoothly and survive in as little as 2-3 weeks, or at the slowest within 1 month it can root smoothly and settle into the pot.