Hello, human caretaker. I am your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Lately, I haven't been feeling like myself. My vibrant, glossy leaves are drooping, and my very foundation feels unstable. I suspect I am suffering from a serious condition you call "root rot." From my perspective, deep within my pot, this is what is happening and what I desperately need you to understand.
Root rot is not just a surface problem; it is a systemic attack. It begins with my roots, my mouth and lifeline. When I am forced to sit in excess water for too long, the soil pores become clogged, and my roots are starved of oxygen. This suffocation weakens my cellular walls, making them vulnerable to attack by ever-present soil fungi, like Pythium, Phytophthora, or Fusarium. These pathogens invade my root tissues, which then turn from a healthy white or tan to a mushy, dark brown or black. They lose their firmness and begin to decay. This means I can no longer effectively absorb the water and nutrients you provide, leaving my entire system starved and poisoned by the decay's byproducts.
I try to communicate my suffering through my leaves and stems. Please, learn to read my signs. The most common is wilting and drooping leaves despite the soil feeling wet. This is because my rotten roots cannot transport water upwards. You may see yellowing leaves, often starting at the lower, older ones and moving up, a sign of nutrient deficiency. My new growth may be stunted or non-existent, as I lack the energy to produce it. The most alarming sign is if my leaves develop brown spots, typically starting at the center or edges and spreading inward, which indicates the fungal infection is moving through my vascular system. Finally, a tell-tale sign is a foul, musty odor emanating from my soil—the smell of my roots decaying.
If you suspect root rot, you must act quickly. First, gently remove me from my pot. Shake off the soil and carefully inspect my root ball. Healthy roots are firm and white; anything soft, mushy, and dark must be removed. Using sterilized, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut away all the affected roots. Be ruthless but careful; leaving any rot behind will allow it to spread. After the surgery, rinse my remaining healthy roots gently with water to wash away any lingering fungus.
After the traumatic pruning, I need a fresh start. Please repot me into a clean pot with ample drainage holes, using fresh, well-draining soil specifically formulated for houseplants like me. Do not use garden soil, as it is too dense. Do not water me immediately after repotting; my wounded roots need a day or two to callous over to prevent new infections. When you do water, do so thoroughly but only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Place me in a spot with bright, indirect light and stable temperatures to help me recover my strength. With your careful intervention, I can focus my energy on regenerating a new, healthy root system and return to being the thriving centerpiece you love.
