From my perspective as an Adenium plant, the initial signs of root rot are a deep internal crisis. The problem begins beneath the soil, where the fine, hair-like feeder roots that are responsible for water and nutrient uptake start to suffocate and die. The soil feels cold, perpetually wet, and devoid of air. This anaerobic environment allows pathogenic fungi, like *Pythium* or *Phytophthora*, to attack my compromised root system. I cannot vocalize this pain, but I show it through my leaves. They begin to yellow, not from a lack of water, but because my waterlogged and rotting roots cannot transport it to my canopy. I become limp, my stems soften, and my overall vigor plummets as my foundational support system fails.
The most critical action you can take for my survival is to remove me from the soggy soil and conduct immediate surgery. Gently wash my root ball to assess the damage. From my viewpoint, every black, mushy, and foul-smelling root is a source of decay that must be excised. Using sterilized, sharp shears, cut away all the affected tissue until only firm, white or pale-colored healthy roots remain. This process, while drastic, is a relief. It halts the spread of the rot and allows my remaining healthy tissue to focus on regeneration. After each cut, it is crucial to disinfect the tools to prevent spreading any pathogens to my healthy parts.
After the aggressive pruning, I am vulnerable. My root system is now a fraction of its former self and cannot support a large canopy. You must balance this by pruning back my above-ground growth. Removing a significant portion of my branches and leaves reduces the demand on my compromised roots, allowing me to direct all my stored energy into regenerating new, healthy roots. Before repotting, I must be allowed to dry. Leaving me in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days to callous over the cut surfaces is essential. This callousing acts as a natural barrier, preventing new infections from entering my system when I am placed into fresh, dry medium.
My future health depends entirely on the new home you provide. I require a pot with exceptional drainage holes and a fast-draining, gritty soil mix specifically formulated for succulents. A blend of perlite, pumice, coarse sand, and a small amount of organic matter provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and rapid drainage that my roots crave. When repotting, position me so my caudex is above the soil line to promote air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation around my base. Upon repotting, withhold water for at least a week to allow my tender new roots to heal and seek out moisture, thus encouraging strong growth and preventing a relapse into rot.
