What to do if the cactus has rotten roots and stems

Causes of cactus root and stem rot

There are two reasons why cactus roots and stems rot:

One reason is that viruses

Because the soil used by cacti during their growth period, the surrounding environment in which they are maintained, the water and fertilizer used in daily management, the tools used for reproduction, etc., may contain viruses and fungi. If they are not disinfected and sterilized before being used to maintain the cacti, the bacteria will easily multiply in large numbers in the soil and environment, which will harm the roots and stems of the cactus, causing it to gradually rot.

Reason 2: Improper maintenance environment

First, if the potting soil is too wet, it will cause the root tissue to rot and die, which will then affect the stem rot;

The second is excessive fertilization. Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer or uncomposted fertilizer will cause root and stem rot.

The last is excessive shading. Excessive shading will prevent the plants from absorbing the required sunlight, causing poor growth and making them susceptible to attacks by pests and diseases, which will bite the roots and stems.

Methods for preventing and controlling root and stem rot

Strengthen maintenance management

Watering should be done properly to prevent waterlogging or excessive moisture in the pot soil, as moisture can cause root and stem rot;

Apply fertilizer at the right time and in the right amount. During the growth period, apply fertilizer once every half a month. Control the amount of fertilizer in autumn and stop fertilizing after winter. The concentration of fertilizer should be small and can be diluted with water before application. This will prevent root and stem rot.

Once a plant is found to be infected with pathogens or has root rot or stem rot, it must be cut off in time to prevent infection of other parts. Afterwards, you can apply wood ash to the wound or soak it in potassium permanganate solution, or you can directly place the cactus in a ventilated place to dry the wound.

Improve the growth environment

Cactus prefers an environment with plenty of light, but be careful not to expose it to excessive sunlight. It should be properly shaded during the hottest time of summer noon.

In the cold winter season, it should be placed in a well-lit place, not in a dark corner. It should be kept well ventilated to reduce the invasion of germs.