Root rot is a devastating condition for a rubber plant (Ficus elastica), representing a critical failure in its most vital underground organ system. From the plant's perspective, it is a systemic crisis that begins unseen and quickly compromises its entire existence.
My roots are not just anchors; they are my lifeline. They are responsible for absorbing water and essential nutrients and for engaging in symbiotic relationships with soil fungi. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. The primary cause of my distress is overwatering, which saturates the soil and drives out oxygen. My root cells require oxygen for respiration to generate energy. When water replaces these air pockets, my roots literally suffocate and begin to drown. In this weakened, oxygen-starved state, they become highly susceptible to attack from opportunistic soil-borne pathogens, most commonly fungi from the genera Pythium, Phytophthora, and Fusarium.
I cannot speak, so I communicate my internal crisis through my physiology. The first signs you might see are my leaves turning yellow, particularly the older ones lower down. This is because the rotting root system can no longer effectively uptake nutrients. Following yellowing, my leaves will become soft, wilt, and droop dramatically, even though the soil is wet—this is because the rotten roots cannot transport water to my stem and leaves. My growth will halt completely as I divert all remaining energy to survival rather than new development. In advanced stages, the stem may become soft and mushy at the base, and a foul, decaying smell may emanate from the soil, which is the smell of my roots dying.
To save me, immediate and decisive action is required. You must gently lift me from my pot. Carefully wash the soil away from my root ball to assess the damage. The crucial step is to prune away all infected tissue. Using sterilized shears, you must cut off every root that is brown, black, mushy, or slimy. Only firm, healthy, white roots should remain. This is a drastic measure, but it is necessary to stop the spread of the rot. After the surgery, you should repot me into a clean pot with excellent drainage, using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Do not water me immediately; my wounded roots need a few days to callous over to prevent new infections.
To help me recover and prevent a recurrence, you must understand my needs. I thrive on a cycle of thorough watering followed by a period of drought. You should only water me when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry to the touch. My pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. The potting medium should be airy and chunky, perhaps amended with perlite or orchid bark, to ensure oxygen can reach my roots. Finally, ensure I am in a pot that is only slightly larger than my root ball; an oversized pot holds moisture for too long, creating the same waterlogged conditions that caused this crisis.
