Like all plants, monsteras are susceptible to root rot from over-watering, but luckily, this condition is treatable if caught early and doesn’t have to spell doom for your plant! Here’s everything you need to know about root rot in monsteras.
Root rot is a common affliction for Monstera houseplants. This fungal infection stealthily attacks the roots compromising the health of the entire plant. Recognizing early symptoms is crucial for saving your prized Monstera from demise.
In this article, we’ll explore the telltale signs of root rot and recommend prevention and treatment strategies. With attentive care, your Monstera can flourish for years to come.
What Causes Root Rot in Monstera?
Several factors contribute to root rot in Monsteras
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Overwatering – Excess moisture in the soil breeds fungal infections. Root rot thrives in soggy, compacted soil.
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Poor drainage – Pots without drainage holes or dense, clay-heavy soil prevent water from flowing out freely. Roots end up soaking for too long.
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Cold weather – Slower growth in winter means less frequent watering is needed. But overwatering in cold periods quickly causes root rot.
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Large pot size – An oversized container retains moisture in empty areas with no roots to absorb it.
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Fungal pathogens – Root rot fungi like Pythium and Rhizoctonia infect waterlogged soil. Once present, they rapidly spread.
Early Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, root rot can be difficult to detect. But a watchful eye may notice these subtle clues:
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Drooping or wrinkled leaves – Unable to absorb water, the plant wilts.
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Slowed growth – With damaged roots, the plant struggles and grows sluggishly.
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Yellowing leaves – Nutrient deficiencies cause fading leaf color.
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Mushy or limp stems – Tissues begin decaying from the moisture overload.
At this point, root rot may still be reversed if treated promptly. But left unchecked, it will progress further.
Advanced Signs of Infection
As rot sets into the root system, signs become more apparent:
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Foul odor – The stench of decay emanates from the potting mix.
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Discolored roots – Healthy white roots turn brown, then black. Texture becomes mushy and slimy.
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Damaged foliage – Leaves develop brown splotches or yellowing around the edges.
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Weak stems – Main stems turn dark or hollow and feel soft or mushy.
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Root sloughing – Rotten roots easily pull away from the plant when disturbed.
Don’t delay treatment once advanced symptoms appear. Severe cases may be untreatable.
14 Specific Signs of Root Rot in Monstera
To monitor your plant closely, watch for these 14 distinct signs:
- Wilting, drooping leaves
- Slowed or stunted growth
- Yellowing or faded leaves
- Spongy, mushy stems
- Wrinkled, curled leaves
- Damaged roots – brown, black, mushy
- Foul odor from soil
- Hollow, dark main stem
- Leaf spots or browned edges
- Fungus gnats flocking to pot
- Excess moisture in soil
- Brittle, damaged roots
- Plant collapses or becomes loose
- Entire root system is dead
The more of these symptoms present, the more urgent the need for root rot treatment.
Preventing Root Rot in Monstera
While root rot treatment is possible, prevention is the best approach. Follow these tips to maintain healthy roots:
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Check moisture level by finger test.
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Ensure pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Use a well-aerated soil mix with perlite or orchid bark.
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Water less in winter when growth is slower.
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Apply hydrogen peroxide monthly to soil to prevent fungus.
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Repot annually in fresh, sterile soil to prevent pathogen buildup.
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Propagate healthy clippings to preserve the plant if rot is severe.
With attentive care and early intervention, your Monstera can fight off root rot and thrive for years to come! Monitor it closely and address any symptoms promptly.
How to Diagnose Root Rot in Monsteras
If your monstera has root rot, the first place you’ll see it is in the leaves. You’ll notice dark brown to black spots on the lower leaves because they’re the first to absorb the excess water and any fungus or bacterial that has infected the roots.
You’ll also notice wet soil, and if you remove your monstera from the pot, you’ll probably find mushy, dark, smelly roots. Yuck!
How to Treat Root Rot in Monsteras
“Great. My monstera has root rot. Now what do I do?”
Don’t panic! Monsteras are resilient plants and root rot is very treatable. Here’s what to do:
The first thing you want to do is get your monstera out of the wet, nasty soil. Carefully remove your monstera from the pot (you might need a friend to help you) and rinse as much of the soil off the roots as you can. If you see any rotting roots, carefully trim those away.
Then repot the plant into fresh soil in a clean pot with good drainage. (You can get a new one or clean the old one.)
Root Rot 101 : How to Spot, Treat and PREVENT Root Rot!
FAQ
How can I tell if my Monstera has root rot?
Inspect the Roots: Look for roots that are brown and mushy instead of firm and white. Prune the Affected Roots: Use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut away the rotten roots. Disinfect your tools after each cut with a solution, like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, to avoid spreading any pathogens.
Can you save a Monstera from root rot?
Carefully remove your monstera from the pot (you might need a friend to help you) and rinse as much of the soil off the roots as you can. If you see any rotting roots, carefully trim those away. Then repot the plant into fresh soil in a clean pot with good drainage. (You can get a new one or clean the old one.)
What are the first signs of root rot?
Signs of root rot are slow growth, mushy stems, and wilting, yellow, distorted leaves (especially when the plant has been well watered, as wilting leaves can also be a sign of a dry plant). Usually the soil will smell rotten and the roots will appear to be reddish brown.
How to tell if Monstera is overwatered?
Overwatering a monstera can lead to yellow or brown leaves, soggy soil, and potentially root rot, which is characterized by mushy, foul-smelling roots.