Root and stem rots are problematic on houseplants that have been overwatered, have poor drainage, and/or are overcrowded. |
Symptoms: Plants appear wilted and do not recover after watering. Lower leaves yellow and/or drop. Roots appear brown and mushy. Photo by Plant Disease Clinic |
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Symptoms: Stems near soil line may turn brown and/or mushy. Photo by Plant Disease Clinic |
| Causal organism: | Variety of fungi |
| Method of dispersal: | In infested soil and roots |
| Infection point: | The root rot fungi usually enter roots through small feeder roots, and can spread through the entire root system in 7-10 days if conditions are favorable. |
| Control: | Once severe symptoms appear, it is often too late, and the plant should be discarded. If symptoms are slight, inspect the roots. If healthy roots still exist, shake off old soil and prune out rotten roots. Repot the plant in pasteurized soil. Discard old soil and wash pots in 10% bleach solution to prevent spread of the fungi. |
| Labeled fungicides: |
Not recommended |
| Comments: | Prevention is the best line of defense against root and stem rots. Use pasteurized disease-free soil, avoid overwatering, and use porous soil mixes and containers that provide proper water drainage. |
| Additional Information | Back to Problems Affecting Multiple Hosts | Back to Houseplant Diseases |
