Issues like root rot can make every Monstera lover feel disappointed. Although this variety of philodendrons loves moisture, too much of it can lead to soggy soil and waterlogging. Unlike all other varieties of Monsteras, a deliciosa will show different signs if its roots are rotten.
To save the plant, you must promptly identify and treat these issues. Here, you will find detailed information on the causes and symptoms of root rot and some effective ways to treat or prevent them.
What Are the Main Causes of Root Rot in Monstera Deliciosa?
| 🌱Causes | 🌱 Prevention |
|---|---|
| 💧 Overwatering | 🌱 Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use well-draining soil. |
| 🐞Bacterial Infections | 🌿 Use sterilized potting mix. Avoid overwatering. |
| 💦 Poor Drainage | 🍂 Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Avoid waterlogged soil. |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 🧊 Maintain consistent temperatures. Avoid cold drafts. |
Here are some major causes that may lead to root rot. Check them out to prevent them.
Overwatering
As mentioned earlier, Mosteras love moisture, but too much watering can cause severe damage to the overall health of the plant. Waterlogging can make it difficult for the roots to breathe properly. Hence the root gets rotted.
So, checking the soil’s moisture level before watering is necessary. Make sure the pot where the Monstera is placed has enough drainage holes to drain away excess water thoroughly. Here is some additional information on overwatering that you might find helpful: Is Your Monstera Overwatered? Signs and Effective Solutions
Poor Drainage
If the water cannot escape properly due to poor drainage, the roots will rot easily. Your plant needs to breathe properly to stay healthy, so there should be enough drainage holes at the bottom of the pot to drain away excess water quickly.
Issues With the Soil
Using soil that is too heavy is not good for your Monstera. Heavy soil traps water around the roots and does not drain well, causing water logging, which can be uncomfortable and stressful for the plant.
So, try to use well-draining, aerated soil so, that the water can escape quickly and the plant can breathe properly.
What Are the Symptoms of Root Rot in Philodendron Monstera?
Your beloved plant will come up with signs and symptoms if its roots are rotten. Here are some of the signs to help you identify them easily.
Droopy or Wilted Leaves
Drooping and wilting leaves can be signs of overwatered plants. Your plant can come up with these symptoms if its roots are rotted due to excess water.
Brown, Mushy Roots
Healthy roots always appear to be slightly moist, firm, and white. So, after removing the plant from its pot, if you find the roots to be mushy, brown, or black with a foul odor, then be sure the roots of your Monstera are rotted. To prevent the rot from spreading further, take immediate action.
Foul Odor
A stinky or foul odor coming from the roots of the plant indicates that the roots of your favorite plant have rotted.
Ways to Treat Root Rot in Monsteras
Taking immediate action and treating the root rot as soon as possible can make a Monstera thrive. Follow the steps below to get rid of the rotted root.
Step 1: Affected Roots Should Be Removed
To check for rotten roots, gently remove the plant from the pot. The rotted root can be identified from its appearance. If you notice the roots are mushy, brown, and have a foul odor, then be sure your beloved Monstera has root rot.
Use sterilized tools to cut away the affected roots. Always throw the rotten roots away, as it will prevent further spreading. Be gentle and make sure you do not damage the healthy roots.
Step 2: Re-pot
After removing the rotten roots, it’s time to repot the plant using fresh soil. Use a pot slightly larger than the root ball. To help excess water drain away faster, add material like gravel or perlite at the bottom of the pot. Use a well-draining, aerated potting mix meant for houseplants.
Heavy soils retain too much moisture. So, avoid using them. Place the plant in the middle of the pot and make sure the roots are evenly spread. Use potting mix to fill in the gaps around the roots. To ensure the plant is securely placed, gently press down the soil.
After repotting, it is important to water your Monstera thoroughly. The excess water should drain away through the drainage holes.
Step 3: Maintain Proper Watering Habits
Adjusting watering habits can prevent root rot after repotting. Avoid overwatering, and check the moisture level of the soil before watering the plants. If the soil feels sticky, then wait for a few days to water the plant. Watering should be done when the soil feels completely dry.
Water the plant thoroughly until the excess water drains out of the pot’s bottom. This will provide adequate moisture for Monstera’s roots. However, avoid waterlogging and discard any excess water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot.
Step 4: Drainage Should Be Improved
Improved drainage prevents a Monstera from sitting in water, which can cause root rot and other diseases. Make sure the pot where the plant is placed has enough drainage holes. To catch excess water, place a saucer under the Monstera pot.
Adding a layer of drainage material, like perlite and gravel, to the bottom of the pot can improve drainage. Always use a potting mix with good drainage properties specifically meant for tropical plants like philodendrons.
How to Prevent a Monstera From Getting Future Root Rot?
Besides, treating an affected plant is important to prevent future root rot in monsters. Here are a few ways.
Soil Moisture Should Be Monitored
Checking out the soil’s moisture level from time to time, especially before watering the plant is necessary.
You should only water your Monstera when your finger comes out dry after digging an inch deep. Wait for a few days before watering if the soil feels wet or damp.
Select the Right Potting Mix
Unlike most varieties of philodendrons, a Monstera prefers a well-draining, aerated soil mix. Choosing the right potting mix designed for tropical plants will allow excess water to drain away quickly and thus prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Try to use a potting mix that contains ingredients like coco coir, peat moss, orchid bark, and perlite. You can also prepare your potting mix by using these ingredients.
Improve Air Circulation
Good air circulation around the plant is necessary to prevent root rot and keep a Monstera healthy. So, try to place the plant in a well-ventilated room. Keep the doors and windows open so that fresh air can come in and reduce humidity.
Always avoid overcrowding your plants, and you can use a small fan to improve air circulation around them, especially during humid weather.
Take Away
Preventing root rot in Monsteras can be simple if you follow the tips and tricks shared in this post. Always look out for the signs and symptoms that your plant may show if its roots are rotted.
Always remember that too much of a beneficial thing can be harmful to the plant. So, go slow and steady and make your beloved plant happy and healthy.
