I love to grow spider plants because they are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home. They have attractive foliage and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets. Spider plants are also very adaptable and can survive in a variety of climates and soil types. Unfortunately, spider plants are susceptible to root rot, which is a fungal disease. If left untreated, the disease can cause the plant to die. Fortunately, if you catch it early, you can fix spider plant root rot. In this article, we’ll explore how to fix spider plant root rot and how to prevent it moving forward.
Identifying root rot in spider plants
Root rot is caused by a variety of fungi, including species of Pythium, Phytophthora, and Fusarium. These fungi thrive in wet soil and attack the roots of plants, causing them to rot and die. Poor drainage or overwatering can create conditions that are favorable for root rot. Other factors such as soil compaction and a lack of oxygen can also contribute to root rot.
Root rot is a pretty easy thing to identify in most plants. The first signs of root rot include a wilting and yellowing of your spider plant leaves. The yellowing will eventually turn to brown spots or tips on the leaves. A mushy core stem or roots is also a pretty clear sign of spider plant root rot. With root rot, you may also notice a foul odor coming from the soil. Root rot thrives in wet conditions, so if your plant has any of these symptoms and also very soggy soil, you’ve probably got root rot.
Fixing spider plant root rot
I won’t sugarcoat it: fixing root rot in a spider plant is not easy. It requires catching the infection early and acting fast. If the main stem of your spider plant has turned mushy, you probably aren’t going to save it. If your spider plant has any healthy pups, I’d recommend attempting to propagate them. But if you think your spider plant can be saved, this is how to do it:
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots. Cut away any rotted roots with a sharp, sterile knife.
- Repot the plant in fresh, sterile soil. Make sure to use a pot that has good drainage.
- Water the plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Place the plant in an area with bright, indirect light.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Monitor the plant closely for further signs of root rot.
Continue to care for your spider plant as you normally would, but be sure to take extra steps to prevent root rot again in the future. If you’re lucky enough to have been able to save your plant, well, count yourself lucky!
Preventing root rot
In order to prevent future root rot in your spider plants, or any other houseplants, be sure to:
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Spider plants need well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Allow Soil to Dry Between Waterings: Spider plants should not be kept in soggy soil. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.
- Avoid Overwatering: Spider plants don’t need a lot of water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so water sparingly and only when the soil is dry.
- Provide Adequate Air Circulation: Spider plants need plenty of air circulation to prevent root rot. Place the plant in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight.
- Check for Signs of Rot: If you notice any signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves or a foul odor, take immediate action. Remove the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.