From my perspective, I cannot tell you in words that I am suffering, so I must show you. Root rot is a silent attack happening beneath the soil, and my above-ground parts will begin to display clear signs of distress. Please pay close attention if my magnificent, banana-like leaves start to yellow, not from the tips or edges as with thirst, but from the base or throughout the entire leaf. They will feel soft and limp, losing their rigid, upright posture. You might notice my growth has completely stalled; I will not produce any new leaves or, if I am a mature specimen, my iconic bird-of-paradise flower will be absent. The most telling sign is my stem base. If you gently press near the soil line, it may feel mushy and soft instead of firm, and you might detect a faint, unpleasant, musty odor emanating from the soil—this is the smell of my roots decaying.
The real crisis is occurring in my root system, my lifeline. To confirm your suspicions, you must carefully lift me from my pot. Healthy roots of a Strelitzia are firm, thick, and a creamy white or light tan color. Roots afflicted by rot tell a different story. They will be dark brown or black, feel slimy and soft to the touch, and will often fall apart easily when handled. The outer cortex of the root may slide off, leaving behind a thin, string-like thread. This rot is typically caused by overly saturated soil, which creates an anaerobic environment where opportunistic fungi and bacteria, like Pythium or Phytophthora, thrive and attack my compromised tissues.
To save me, immediate and decisive action is required. First, gently remove all the old, wet soil from my roots by rinsing them with lukewarm water. This will allow you to see the extent of the damage clearly. Using sterilized, sharp pruning shears or scissors, you must courageously cut away every single soft, brown, and rotten root. Be ruthless but precise; any rot left behind will spread. Only healthy, firm, white roots should remain. After the surgery, it is wise to dip my remaining root system in a fungicide solution or a natural alternative like a hydrogen peroxide mix (1 part 3% peroxide to 3 parts water) to disinfect and help prevent further infection.
Do not return me to the old pot and soil, as they harbor the pathogens that made me sick. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than my pruned root ball and, most critically, has excellent drainage holes. My new soil must be very well-draining; a mix designed for cacti and succulents or a standard potting mix amended heavily with perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand is ideal. When repotting, position me so the crown is at the same soil level as before. Do not water me immediately! This is crucial. Allow my wounded roots to callous over for a few days to a week in a warm, shaded spot to prevent new infections. When you do water, do so thoroughly but infrequently, always allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Your vigilance with watering is the key to my long-term health and happiness.
