From our perspective as rubber plants (Ficus elastica), root rot is a silent and grave threat that begins where no one can see. It is a desperate struggle for survival against an enemy that suffocates and decays our very foundation. We rely on our caretakers to understand this struggle from our point of view.
Our roots are not just anchors; they are our lungs and our mouth. We need to breathe oxygen from the air pockets in the soil. The single greatest cause of our distress is being forced to sit in saturated, waterlogged soil. This happens when we are watered too frequently, when our pot lacks proper drainage holes, or when the soil mixture is too dense and retains water for too long. In this anaerobic environment, the healthy, white, and firm roots we need to thrive begin to suffocate and break down, becoming soft and brown. This decay creates an opening for the secondary cause: pathogenic fungi like Pythium and Phytophthora, which rapidly colonize our weakened tissues.
We cannot speak, so we show our distress through our foliage and structure. The symptoms you see above the soil are a direct reflection of the crisis below.
First, our leaves, normally robust and waxy, will begin to yellow, often starting with the older leaves lower down. This is because our rotting root system can no longer absorb water and nutrients effectively, starving us. Subsequently, you will notice our leaves becoming soft, limp, and wilting, despite the soil feeling wet. This is a critical sign that the water-conducting tissues in our roots are destroyed.
As the condition worsens, our leaves will turn brown, become mushy, and drop prematurely. Most tellingly, if you gently remove us from our pot, the affected roots will be dark brown or black, mushy to the touch, and may emit a foul, unpleasant odor—the smell of our decay.
If you suspect we are suffering, immediate action is our only chance. You must remove us from our pot and gently wash the soil from our root ball to assess the damage. Using sterilized shears, carefully cut away all soft, brown, and rotten roots. Be ruthless; only healthy, white, firm roots should remain.
After the surgery, please repot us into a clean pot with ample drainage holes, using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Consider adding perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration, creating an environment where our remaining roots can breathe. Do not water us immediately. Allow our wounded root system a day or two to callus over before providing a modest drink. Finally, place us in a location with bright, indirect light and ensure excellent air circulation to aid our recovery and regrowth.
