Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a resilient and popular houseplant, but like all plants, it can suffer from root rot if its needs aren't met. Below, we explore the signs, causes, and solutions for pothos root rot from the plant's perspective.
As a pothos plant, I communicate distress through visible changes. Here’s how I show that my roots are rotting:
1.1 Yellowing Leaves: My leaves turn yellow because my roots can’t absorb nutrients properly. This often starts with older leaves.
1.2 Wilting or Drooping: Even if my soil is wet, I may wilt because my roots are damaged and can’t transport water.
1.3 Soft, Mushy Roots: If you gently remove me from my pot, my healthy roots should be firm and white. Rotting roots are brown, black, or slimy.
1.4 Foul Odor: A bad smell from my soil is a sign of decay caused by anaerobic bacteria thriving in waterlogged conditions.
1.5 Stunted Growth: If I stop growing or my new leaves are smaller than usual, my roots might be struggling.
Root rot happens when my environment doesn’t suit my needs. Here’s what goes wrong:
2.1 Overwatering: I prefer my soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If my roots sit in water too long, they suffocate and rot.
2.2 Poor Drainage: If my pot lacks drainage holes or the soil is too dense, water pools around my roots, creating a breeding ground for rot.
2.3 Contaminated Soil or Tools: Fungal pathogens like Pythium or Phytophthora can infect my roots if the soil or tools are unclean.
2.4 Low Oxygen Levels: Compacted soil or lack of aeration deprives my roots of oxygen, making them vulnerable to decay.
2.5 Cold Temperatures: I thrive in warm conditions. Cold, damp soil slows my metabolism and increases rot risk.
If I’m suffering from root rot, here’s how you can help me recover:
3.1 Remove Me from the Pot: Gently take me out and shake off excess soil to inspect my roots.
3.2 Trim Rotten Roots: Use sterilized scissors to cut away all soft, discolored roots. Only healthy, firm roots should remain.
3.3 Disinfect Healthy Roots: Rinse my remaining roots in a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part peroxide to 3 parts water) to kill lingering pathogens.
3.4 Repot in Fresh Soil: Plant me in a clean pot with drainage holes, using a well-draining mix (e.g., peat, perlite, and orchid bark).
3.5 Adjust Watering Habits: Water me only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure excess water drains away.
3.6 Improve Air Circulation: Place me where there’s gentle airflow to help soil dry evenly and prevent fungal growth.
3.7 Monitor Light and Temperature: Keep me in bright, indirect light and maintain temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) for optimal recovery.
