What should I do if my variegated spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum') has root rot?
1. Causes of root rot
1. Watering
There is no need to analyze this too complicatedly. Root rot is mostly caused by overwatering, which leads to water accumulating in the potting soil. Once the soil is too moist and water builds up in the pot, even the roots of the spider plant will slowly rot.
2. Light
If the variegated spider plant is placed in a spot that severely lacks light, and it lacks light all year round, the water it receives cannot be absorbed or evaporated in time, which will lead to root rot.
2. Treating root rot
1. Treating mild root rot
If you discover the variegated spider plant's root rot just as it begins. In this case, careful attention can alleviate it. Reduce the frequency of watering and the amount of water each time. Gradually you will find that the slightly rotted roots recover on their own.
2. Treating partial root rot
When the variegated spider plant shows signs of partial root rot, give it some sun appropriately, but do not expose it to sunlight for long periods, and even more so do not expose it to strong direct sun. In addition, the time in the sun must be strictly controlled, and it must not exceed two hours a day. After this treatment, the partial root rot of the spider plant will improve somewhat. But the root rot may continue, and at this point we should consider using a nutrient solution. At the same time, do not use too much nutrient solution just to make the spider plant recover faster; recovering from root rot definitely requires patience, so do not rush. When spraying the nutrient solution, do not spray it directly into the soil just because you want it closer to the roots; try to spray it on the leaves. That way it can be absorbed faster.
In addition, if only part of the spider plant has root rot, you can separate the unrotted part from the rotted part, which can ensure the spider plant can grow.
3. Treating severe root rot
If the variegated spider plant's root rot is relatively severe, then you must directly remove the rotted roots. But before cutting, the knife must be disinfected, and the cut-off roots can simply be thrown away. Apply a little rooting agent to the remaining roots, and they will soon return to how they looked before!
4. Treating complete rot
If all the roots of the variegated spider plant have gone bad, then you should consider transplanting. Directly take the small plantlets on the stems and cultivate them, letting them take root and sprout, and they will be a brand-new spider plant.