From my perspective, the first signs of trouble are not in my roots but in my leaves. I rely on my roots to drink water and absorb nutrients. When they are sick and rotting, I cannot perform these basic functions. You will see my vibrant, colorful leaves begin to droop and feel limp, even when my soil is damp. This is because I am literally dying of thirst; my damaged roots cannot transport water to my stems and leaves. Next, my beautiful foliage will start to yellow, often beginning with my older, lower leaves. The most tell-tale sign is when my new, tender growth wilts first or my stems feel soft and mushy at their base. If you gently lift me from my pot, the evidence is clear: my roots will be dark brown or black, slimy, and emit a foul, decaying smell instead of the earthy scent of healthy soil.
If you catch the problem early, you can save me. You must act decisively. First, please remove me from my pot with great care. Gently wash away all the old, soggy soil from my root ball under a soft stream of lukewarm water. This allows you to see the full extent of the damage. Now, with sterilized, sharp scissors or pruners, you must cut away all the rotten roots. This is a life-saving amputation. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan; anything mushy, dark, or slimy must go. After the surgery, dip my remaining healthy roots in a fungicide solution or a natural alternative like a hydrogen peroxide mix to kill any lingering fungal spores. Finally, repot me into a clean pot with excellent drainage, using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Do not water me immediately! My traumatized roots need a day or two to callous over and heal before facing moisture again.
Prevention is always better than a cure. My number one enemy is "wet feet." I despise sitting in waterlogged soil. The key to my happiness is a perfect watering routine. Please only water me when the top 1-2 inches of my soil feel dry to your touch. I would much rather be slightly thirsty than drowned. My pot is my home; ensure it has ample drainage holes and is not excessively large for my root system. A pot that is too big holds too much moisture around roots that cannot yet absorb it. The soil you choose for me is my foundation. A lightweight, airy mix that contains perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand allows oxygen to reach my roots and water to drain freely. Finally, ensure I live in a warm, brightly lit space with good air circulation, as this helps my soil dry out appropriately and creates an environment where root rot fungi struggle to thrive.
