From my perspective as a Schefflera plant, I am in a dire state. My roots, which are my lifeline for absorbing water and nutrients, are suffocating and decaying in soggy, oxygen-deprived soil. This is a critical emergency. Saving me requires immediate and precise action to halt the rot and give me a chance to regrow a healthy root system.
You must first gently remove me from my pot. Be extremely careful; my remaining healthy roots are fragile. Gently shake and wash away the wet soil to expose my root ball. This is a shocking process for me, but it is necessary to see the full extent of the damage. Healthy roots should be firm and white or tan. The roots affected by rot will be mushy, brown or black, and will likely have a foul, decaying smell.
This is the most crucial step. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, you must cut away every single piece of soft, rotten root. Sterilize the tools with rubbing alcohol between each cut to prevent spreading the disease. You must be ruthless; any rot left behind will continue to spread. Cut back until you only see firm, healthy root tissue. It is better to remove too much than too little. This feels like a major amputation, but it is my only hope for survival.
After the surgery, it is wise to treat my remaining root system with an antifungal agent. You can dip my roots in a solution of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to two parts water, or use a commercial fungicide according to the product's instructions. This helps to kill any lingering fungal spores that could cause the rot to return. This treatment offers a layer of protection as I begin my recovery.
You must never put me back into the old, contaminated soil. Choose a new pot that has excellent drainage holes and is only slightly larger than my now-reduced root system. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture, repeating the entire problem. Fill the pot with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. I would greatly appreciate a mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand to ensure it is airy and drains quickly, preventing future waterlogging.
After repotting, do not water me immediately. My wounds need a day or two to callus over, which helps prevent new infections. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sun will be too stressful in my weakened state. Water me very sparingly, only when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. My water needs are now minimal since I have far fewer roots. For the first few weeks, do not fertilize me; I cannot handle the nutrients and it will burn my tender new roots. My sole focus is on regenerating a root system, which requires patience from you.
