Rotting at the base of the stem cannot be confused with anything. Firstly, the base changes color – it turns black, gray or becomes translucent. Secondly, the affected area softens and gets wet, and in cacti it can be crushed with your finger. In tropical plants, the stem darkens and smells bad. Thirdly, the plant begins to stagger and bend, and the leaves wither.
An expert from the Zen channel “Exotica – an encyclopedia of house plants” explained why this happens and what to do about it.
Causes of stem rotting at the base
The main reason is frequent and abundant watering, especially in winter. When the soil is constantly wet, the roots do not receive enough oxygen and begin to suffocate. Pathogenic microorganisms multiply quickly and infect the plant.
Another possible reason is too dense, heavy soil. Such soil retains moisture for a long time, does not allow oxygen to pass through, and cakes. The stem is constantly damp. Such conditions are especially dangerous for succulents and zamioculcas.
The mistake may also be in a pot that is too spacious. If there is a lot of soil, it dries out more slowly and the roots do not have time to absorb moisture. If you grow plants in pots without drainage holes, the moisture remains at the bottom, while the top layer looks dry.
Also, the base of the root can rot due to infections and pests.
And if you deepen it too deeply during transplantation, then frequent contact with wet soil softens and destroys the tissue.
When can a plant still be saved?
If the affected area is small, replant the plant and trim off the damaged tissue. Rotten, darkened roots also need to be removed. After replanting, do not rush to water the plant – let it dry out.
And if the lower part of the stem has completely rotted, you will have to propagate the plant by cuttings. Cut off the healthy tip above the lesion, dry the cut and root it.
