Root rot is an often silent and common issue for houseplants like Pothos, occurring when roots decay, impairing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Pothos are especially susceptible due to frequent overwatering, which fosters destructive fungi and bacteria.
Identifying Root Rot in Pothos
Recognizing early signs of root rot is important. Above-ground symptoms often mimic an underwatered plant, making diagnosis tricky. You might observe yellowing or wilting leaves, even if the soil is moist, as compromised roots cannot efficiently absorb water or nutrients.
Advanced decay may show as mushy stems near the soil line, stunted growth, or a general lack of vigor. The most definitive signs are found by inspecting the roots: healthy Pothos roots are white or light tan and firm, while rotted roots are dark brown or black, soft, and mushy. A foul, rotten smell from the soil or roots also indicates decay.
Common Causes of Pothos Root Rot
Root rot primarily stems from environmental conditions favoring harmful pathogens. Overwatering is the most frequent cause, leading to waterlogged soil that deprives roots of oxygen, suffocating them.
Poor drainage also contributes, often from dense potting mixes that retain too much moisture or pots lacking adequate drainage holes. This creates a perpetually wet, stagnant environment, ideal for fungal pathogens like Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, which attack compromised roots. An oversized pot can also hold excessive moisture.
Treating Root Rot in Pothos
To treat root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently loosening the soil. Rinse the roots under running water to remove old soil and fungal pathogens, allowing for clearer inspection.
Examine roots thoroughly, identifying dark, mushy, or foul-smelling sections. Use clean, sharp shears to trim away all affected roots, cutting back to healthy, firm tissue. Sterilize tools before and after each cut to prevent pathogen spread. After pruning, some sources suggest treating the remaining healthy roots with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (one part peroxide to four parts water) to kill lingering fungal spores.
Dispose of the old soil and clean the pot thoroughly with a bleach solution, allowing it to dry. Repot the Pothos in a fresh, well-draining potting mix, such as one specifically designed for aroids or a homemade mix of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. Ensure the new pot has ample drainage holes. After repotting, water lightly to settle the soil, then resume a careful watering schedule, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering again.
Preventing Root Rot in Pothos
Preventing root rot involves several key practices. Adopt proper watering habits: always check soil moisture by inserting your finger an inch or two, and only water if it feels dry. Overwatering is the leading cause of root rot; it is better to slightly underwater than to overwater.
Selecting the correct potting mix and pot is also crucial. Use a well-draining mix, often achieved by amending standard houseplant soil with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage. Always choose pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. If using a decorative saucer, promptly empty any collected water.
Good air circulation helps soil dry evenly and discourages fungal growth. Appropriate light conditions, such as bright, indirect light, support overall plant health and disease resistance. Regularly inspect your plant for early stress signs like yellowing leaves or root changes, allowing timely intervention.