Root rot is a devastating condition for us potted Greek oregano plants, caused primarily by overwatering and poor drainage that creates an anaerobic environment around our roots. From our perspective, it is a fight for survival against fungal pathogens like Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia that thrive in waterlogged soil and attack our root systems.
We require a well-draining soil mix that allows oxygen to reach our roots. A blend of standard potting soil with added perlite, coarse sand, or small gravel is ideal. The pot must have adequate drainage holes; sitting in a saucer of water is a death sentence for us. We prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. The best way to check is for our caretaker to feel the soil 2-3 inches deep; if it is dry, we welcome a drink. If it is moist, we need more time. We also thrive in bright, direct sunlight, which helps regulate soil moisture through evaporation and keeps us strong and resilient.
We communicate our distress through our foliage and growth patterns. The earliest signs are often subtle: a slight wilting or drooping of our leaves despite the soil being wet, and a general loss of vigor where new growth seems stunted. Our typically vibrant green leaves may begin to yellow, starting with the older ones. The most telling sign is at our base; our stems may become soft, mushy, and dark brown or black where they meet the soil line, often accompanied by a musty, unpleasant odor from the soil—the smell of our roots decaying.
If our caretaker suspects root rot, immediate action is required. We must be gently removed from our pot. The soil should be carefully washed from our roots to assess the damage. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Rotted roots are brown or black, mushy, and may fall apart easily. Using sterilized shears, all affected roots must be pruned away. After the surgery, we benefit from being dipped in a fungicide solution or a hydrogen peroxide mix to kill any remaining pathogens. Finally, we must be repotted into a clean pot with fresh, sterile, well-draining soil.
After this traumatic process, we are vulnerable and need careful rehabilitation. We should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light to avoid further stress. Watering must be withheld for a few days to allow our wounded root system to callus over, and then resumed with extreme caution, ensuring the soil dries properly between waterings. It is crucial that our caretaker resists the urge to fertilize us during this recovery period, as our burned roots cannot handle the added stress of nutrients and it may finish us off.
