How To Save Succulent From Root Rot

Succulent plants are a popular addition to any garden and can give you years of pleasure. If you have succulent plants in your garden, you need to know how to save succulent from root rot them from getting root rot. Root rot is caused by a fungus that grows on the roots of succulents and slowly kills them.

There are many ways to keep root rot from happening, but the most important thing is to take care of the soil. Ensure the soil is damp but not soaked, and don’t water it too much. Keep the soil’s surface clean and free of the trash. And finally, make sure the succulents get enough water without getting too much.

In this article, I talk about how to save a succulent that has root rot, so don’t give up on it yet!

The Most Common Causes Of Succulents Root Rot 

Root rot is a severe issue for succulents, as it can cause the plant to die. There are a few factors that can cause root rot in succulents.

Overwatering Succulents

Root rot is a common problem succulents face when overwatered. This happens when the plant’s roots become too wet and decay. As the roots die, the plant will not be able to take in water or nutrients, which will cause it to die slowly. 

Improper Drainage System

When planting succulents, you should always use soil that drains well so that the roots don’t stay wet for long periods after being watered. This will give the succulents the best chance of being able to live. This can make it easier for fungi like pythium and phytophthora to get into the roots and cause root rot and other problems for the plant.

Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Root rot is a common problem with succulents that either fungal or bacterial infections can cause. The most common signs are leaves that turn yellow and have less growth overall. If you think your succulent has root rot, you can look at the soil to see if it has too much or too little water.

Stagnant Water On The Leaves Of A Succulent

If you see water droplets on the succulent’s leaves, the water is not absorbed or evaporated quickly enough. This is due to humidity, lack of airflow, or a combination of the two.

This also makes succulents more susceptible to damage during rainy seasons, when the humid air and the soil are already wet from previous rain.

If this stagnant water is left unchecked, it can create a breeding ground for harmful fungi. Fungi are tiny organisms that can cause rot in plants and extreme cases, death.

Root Diseases

Most of the time, root diseases are to blame for succulent root rot. These diseases cause the roots to die and the plant to lose its leaves. Some of the most common root diseases on succulents include Plasmodiophora brassicae, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Sclerotinia.

How to Identify Roots Rot?

Root rot is a condition caused by fungi that attack the roots of plants. It is most common in succulents but can also occur in other plants. There are several signs of root rot in succulents:

• Look for brown or black spots on the surface of the roots
• See long, slimy threads emerging from the roots
• Feel a sticky surface on the roots
• Smell an unpleasant odor coming from the roots

If you notice any of these signs, removing the affected plant is best, and contact a professional for diagnosis.

The Way To Keep Root Rot From Happening To Your Succulent

You can do a few things to help succulents from experiencing root rot. The following tips will help to improve the soil chemistry and reduce the chances of root rot occurring:

Give Succulents Well-drained, Regularly-aerated Soil

After being watered, the roots of succulent plants have to have the opportunity to become dry again.

When succulents develop root rot, it is likely because they are growing in soil that does not drain well enough to meet the requirements of succulents.

Planting succulents in succulent soil with a gritty texture is the best way to protect them from getting root rot caused by the disease that affects succulents.

This succulent mix has spaces between the succulent particles that allow water to drain through. This allows the roots of the succulents to dry out properly after being watered.

Porous potting soil is the best soil for succulents. The gravel in the bottom of the pot is important for the soil to drain quickly. The soil should be a combination of sand and vermiculite. With a succulent soil mix, the drainage hole is essential. I’ll have to switch up the days I pour if it’s not there.

Sand and pebble combinations are perfect for succulents because of their high drainage capacity and capacity to support a wide range of plant roots, according to extensive research. Succulents, which thrive with rapid drainage, look stunning when they mature.

Properly Water Your Succulents

You should only water succulents when the soil is completely dry. There is no one way to water succulents that work for all of them in all climates.

Many people who grow succulents indoors find that watering them every 14–21 days is a good way to keep them alive. Use this as a starting point and make changes as needed.

The best time to water your succulents is as soon as the leaves show signs of being too dry.

Most succulents will rot if you water them too often, so it’s best to wait for your succulent to tell you when to water them.

But if nothing else, wait until the soil is completely dry before you water again.

And remember, it’s very important to keep track of when you water your plants.

Repot Succulents In New Soil

When succulent plants get root rot, it’s likely because they are growing in potting soil that has become too hard for succulents.

It would help if you didn’t force the roots of succulents to stay in tight succulent soil. Instead, they should be grown in a medium that lets them spread out and grow through a loose succulent soilless mix.

About every two years, you should repot your succulents to protect them from succulent root rot. When doing this, you should ensure that the potting mix they are growing in drains well and is not too dense for succulents.

Fertilize With Compost Or Organic Matter

If your succulents are suffering from root rot, you must take steps to save them. Fertilize your succulents with compost or organic matter to help them recover. Mulch the soil around the plants with a layer of straw or leaves to keep moisture and pests away. Suppose you notice any yellowing or wilting of the succulent. In that case, it is likely that they need more attention and should be repotted into fresh soil as soon as possible.

Prune succulents

If the roots of your succulents are starting to grow out of the soil, it is time to prune them back. Pruning can help direct the energy and resources used to grow into the soil instead of up towards the sky.

Remove Debris From Around Plants

To keep succulents healthy, you must remove any debris around the plants. This can include leaves, twigs, and other dirt or plant material. If the succulent is in a container, be sure to clean out the container every few months so that the succulent stays clean and free from pests.

Avoid Planting Succulents In High-traffic Areas

One way to help protect succulents from root rot is to avoid planting them in high-traffic areas. Succulents do well in areas that receive a lot of light but don’t do as well in areas that are frequently disturbed. If you must plant a succulent in a high-traffic area, keep an eye on it and water it regularly.

Remove Diseased Plants

Removing diseased plants from your garden is essential to prevent succulents from root rot. Diseased plants release toxins that can damage succulent roots. Also, diseased plants may not be able to take up water and nutrients properly, leading to root rot.

Remove Diseased Plants

Trimming off the roots of succulents can help prevent root rot. This is especially important when succulents are in direct contact with soil. Succulent survival guides recommend removing a third of the root ball’s diameter below the soil surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Succulents Recover From Root Rot?

Yes, succulents can recover from root rot. Still, you should catch it early and take action to improve drainage and remove any affected roots. If the plant is too far gone, it may not be possible to save it.

Should I Water After Repotting Root Rot Succulent?

It is generally not necessary to water succulents immediately after repotting them. They will likely have absorbed enough water from the potting mix to last a while. However, if the plant is wilting or the leaves are starting to dry, you can give it a light watering. Let the soil dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot.

Why Is My Succulent Dying After Repotting?

Your succulent may die after repotting because it is not getting enough light. Succulents need a lot of light to thrive, so ensure it is in a bright spot. Another possibility is that the succulent is not getting enough water. When repotting, water the plant well and give it time to adjust to its new environment.

How Long Do Succulents Take To Root?

Succulents do not need to be repotted once they have rooted; however, remember that a succulent’s root system will differ from plant to plant. Generally speaking, most succulents will take around 2-3 weeks to root, but a few can take up to a month or more.

Final Word

Saving a succulent from root rot is an essential skill for any plant enthusiast, as it enables you to rescue and rejuvenate these beloved plants when they face this common yet potentially devastating issue. By understanding the causes, identifying the symptoms, and applying the appropriate interventions outlined in this article, you can effectively treat root rot and restore your succulent to its former glory.

Proper care, including appropriate watering and soil conditions, plays a crucial role in preventing this issue from reoccurring, ensuring the long-term health and beauty of your succulent collection. As you continue to nurture and care for your succulents, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of their needs and become adept at spotting and addressing any issues that may arise, fostering a thriving and visually stunning indoor or outdoor garden.