Root Rot is a common fungus orientated disease caused by prolonged wet soil conditions. If you catch the problem early enough you may be able to treat the root rot and save the plant.

Root Rot Treatment

• Surgery may be required. Knock the plant out of its pot and gently remove the soil.
• Support the root ball so it doesn’t break off at the crown. If necessary wash off excess soil in wark running water.
• Examine the roots, any blackened or mushy brown root need removing.
• Cut off with a sharp, sterile knife well above the area of rot.
• Discard the rotten roots and pat remaining roots dry with a paper towel.
• Dust with a fungicide like flowers of sulphur.
• Dip into hormone rooting powder and repot in fresh soil.
• Put the plant in medium light, not full sun and be stingy with watering.
• If the plant is going to survive you will see good signs within  a week or two.

For mild problems of over watering take the plant out of the pot and leave it to drain and dry out.

Hormone rooting powder can also be used for cuttings and is available from Amazon

 

Root Rot Indoor Targets

• African Violets
• Aloe
• Begonia
• Cactus
• Gloxinia
• Palme
• Kalanchoe

Credits
Qargha Res Station – Pepper plants infected with Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot by IFDC Photography CC BY-NC-SA 2.0