How to deal with root rot in rubber trees

Root rot symptoms

Symptom 1: Leaves turn yellow, become soft, and fall off

The roots of the rubber tree are the "engine" that transports nutrients from the bottom to the top of the plant. Once there is a problem with the roots and the nutrient supply is insufficient, the above-ground stems and leaves will turn yellow and fall off, which is also a warning signal for the plant itself.

Symptom 2: The stem becomes soft and rotten

It is difficult to detect root rot in rubber trees, but if you find that the branches and trunks of the rubber trees become soft during daily maintenance, you need to check the condition of the roots in time and rule out the influence of other factors, as the roots may have rotted.

Causes of root rot

Failure to change the pot in time

A normally growing rubber tree needs to be repotted once a year. The size of the pot gradually increases as the plant grows. If the pot is not changed for a long time, the soil will become compacted and the roots will suffocate and die due to poor breathing.

Overwatering

In the summer, the temperature is high and the water evaporates quickly when there is sunshine, but if the weather is hot and stuffy and you water too much, the water will not evaporate quickly and will accumulate in the pot. In addition, during the dormant period of the rubber tree, the plant grows slowly and has a weak ability to absorb water. Excessive watering at this time will increase the chance of root rot.

Overfertilization

Home flower growers often ignore the part of fertilizing, and often think about applying enough fertilizer at one time to avoid the hassle, which leads to fertilizer damage. Even the use of raw fertilizers can cause root rot and an unpleasant root odor.

Treatment

Trimming the roots

The prerequisite for pruning the roots is that the degree of root rot in the rubber tree is relatively light. If the rot is severe, it is better to throw it away directly. For rubber trees with less severe rot, cut off the rotten roots and some branches, apply wood ash on the cuts to speed up wound healing, and replant after the wounds are slightly dry.

Strengthen management

When replanting, the soil must be disinfected, exposed to the sun or sterilized with disinfectant. After planting, do not water until the soil in the pot is dry. After about a month, many tender fibrous roots will grow from the root system.