This allows your succulent’s stem to heal and for the plant to dry out. There is never a 100% guarantee that a succulent will recover from root rot. For more advanced gardeners, wood, glazed ceramic and glass are manageable despite their tendency to retain water. These are all incredibly important for succulents since they hate sitting in water. Once you do inspect the roots, you may find that they are a different color than normal (darker, reddish-brown, etc.) If your succulent loves direct light, then this is a good time to move your plant back into direct light. Outdoor plants affected by root rot may show many different symptoms. Some houseplants, such as pothos, begonias and African violets are more susceptible to root rot. Healthy roots will be white or yellow with a light fuzz on the surface, which is mycorrhizal fungi- a very beneficial symbiotic fungus that helps with nutrient uptake. and stink with rot. Leaves become pale, start to yellow, and then increasingly become transparent and brown as roots start to die. Plastic, terracotta, peat, coconut coir, wood, glazed ceramic and glass are some of the most popular types of pots. First, we need to create a fast-draining succulent soil mix (if you don’t already have one). By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently identify, treat, and prevent root rot, so you can spend more time growing, and less time fixing. Better yet, we can reduce future outbreaks of root rot by adjusting our soil, pots, and the light and air quality of a room. If you aren’t quite sure if your succulent has root rot or not, and you want to make sure before you try to uproot it, use a soil meter to measure your soil’s moisture level. To prevent root rot, grow plants in well-draining soils and do not over water. Growing plants indoors does not prevent root rot. Often by the time you notice the signs, the damage is already done. Cut a few centimeters above the black and brown rot on the stem. 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. Here are major ways you can reduce root rot: I’m going to walk you through my process for stopping root rot! Learning to recognize symptoms of root rot and disposing of affected plants can help prevent spread of the fungi to healthy plants. The two most common root rot fungi include Pythium and Phytophthora, which are active in soils between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but can lie dormant in the soil in cooler temperatures. Root rot fungi enter plants through small feeder roots and can spread quickly, killing a plant in seven to 10 days. Many succulent owners accidentally overwater their succulents. Plants with root problems may have dull leaves, yellowing and wilting foliage. When plants start showing symptoms of root rot, such as yellow leaves or stunted growth 1, take action immediately to resolve the problem. Discard or compost the dead piece of stem. Indoor plant root rot symptoms include wilted leaves that do not improve with watering, leading to chlorosis of lower leaves and leaf drop. When it comes to poor air circulation, there are a number of things you can do to make your growing space better. When you are repotting your plants, take time to check the roots. To learn more, read Succulent Dehydration: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. Plants that are overcrowded or not getting enough sunlight are also susceptible to root rot, so space plants as instructed and grow in areas with good drainage and the recommended amount of sunlight. The best way to save a succulent from root rot is to identify the problem as soon as possible. You want to do this for two reasons: This helps excess water evaporate faster, and if your succulent wasn’t receiving enough light before, then more light exposure can improve its health.