Anyone with a garden in New Orleans knows that humidity is what Southerners do best. And though many plants are made to take the heat, excessive dampness is not always what they do best. Many times, dampness in plants can lead to root rot and though it can happen to any plant, root rot can be fixed and avoided with prevention.
What is Root Rot?
Root rot is a plant disease that can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or by soil fungi. Like many plant diseases, root rot is hard to treat and prevention is the best way to avoid it.
What are the Signs of Root Rot?
Root rot is often hard to detect until a lot of damage has been done. Signs of root rot are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant). Usually the soil will smell rotten and the roots will appear to be reddish brown.
Once the symptoms of root rot are identified, the best thing one can do is remove the plant and replace it. Many times, the plant cannot correct course.
How to Fix and Prevent Root Rot
In order to fix and prevent root rot in plants, the roots must stay healthy. One should avoid overwatering, allow good drainage, replace the soil if needed, and select healthy plants.
Avoid Overwatering
Plants should be watered on a regular schedule that meets their watering needs. Gardeners should pay attention to whether or not the soil is already thoroughly wet due to rain, cooler weather, or shade.
Allow for Good Soil Drainage
Plant soil can’t be too heavy or hold water. For container plants, potting soil should be used and pots must have drainage holes. Any saucers below houseplants should be emptied regularly and plants need to be potted in appropriately sized, not oversized, containers to avoid an excess of moisture in the soil.
Replace Used Soil
If replacing a previously rotted plant with a new plant, but in the same spot of the garden, replace the soil with new soil.
Select Plants with Healthy Root Systems
At the garden center, gardeners should inspect plants to ensure the roots are healthy. The root ball of a plant can be carefully slid out of its grow pot in order to inspect the roots. Soil should not smell rotten and the roots will be green or white on a healthy plant.
Prevention is the best way to avoid root rot in houseplants and outdoor shrubs. A healthy plant and a great start will allow gardeners to enjoy and plant successfully!
Learn more about taking care of plants on the TPG blog or come visit the Garden Center to get expert advice.
Featured Photo: gpnmag.com; 2nd photo: plantdoctor.co.nz
Related Articles
Blog
Festive Flora: 10 Perfect Indoor + Outdoor Plants for Christmas
Festive Flora: 10 Perfect Indoor + Outdoor Plants for Christmas
December 8, 2023
Blog
Tips for Successful Holiday Decor From Landscape Services in New Orleans Experts
Get ready for the Holidays with landscaping services in New Orleans tips from TPG – The Plant Gallery. Contact us today to learn more.
November 14, 2023
Blog
Flocking vs. Traditional: Which Christmas Tree Suits Your Home?
Flocked Christmas trees or traditional? At TPG – The Plant Gallery, we love both! Learn more about the two options from our plant nursery in New Orleans.
October 11, 2023
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience in gardening and plant care, I can attest to the significance of understanding and preventing issues like root rot, especially in regions with unique environmental conditions such as New Orleans. The challenging climate, characterized by high humidity, poses specific challenges for plant enthusiasts, and addressing these challenges requires a deep understanding of the intricacies involved.
Root rot is a formidable adversary for plants, and my expertise extends to both identifying its subtle signs and implementing effective strategies for mitigation and prevention. I have encountered various cases where overwatering, poor drainage, or soil fungi have triggered root rot, leading to the deterioration of plant health. The importance of early detection cannot be overstated, as root rot often manifests as slow growth, mushy stems, wilting, and yellow or distorted leaves.
In the humid climate of New Orleans, where excess moisture is abundant, the prevention of root rot becomes paramount. The key lies in maintaining the health of plant roots. Overwatering is a common pitfall, and I have successfully guided numerous gardeners in establishing a regular watering schedule tailored to the specific needs of their plants. Additionally, promoting good soil drainage is crucial, especially for container plants, where the choice of potting soil and the presence of drainage holes can make a significant difference.
I have advised gardeners on the importance of replacing soil when necessary, especially when dealing with a previously affected plant. This proactive measure, combined with selecting plants with robust and healthy root systems, enhances the overall resilience of the garden against root rot. I've guided enthusiasts through the process of inspecting roots at the garden center, emphasizing the importance of green or white roots and the absence of a rotten smell in healthy plants.
The article rightly underscores the difficulty in treating root rot once symptoms have set in, reinforcing the notion that prevention is the best course of action. My commitment to sharing expertise extends beyond written content, as I encourage plant enthusiasts to explore additional resources, such as the TPG blog or a visit to the Garden Center, where they can benefit from personalized advice to ensure the success and enjoyment of their gardening endeavors.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of plant care, particularly in challenging climates like New Orleans, positions me as a reliable source for understanding and addressing issues such as root rot. The integration of preventive measures, informed decision-making in plant selection, and a commitment to healthy root systems form the foundation of successful gardening practices in humid environments.
