Step-by-step plan: Saving a cutting from root rot
It can just happen: you go from a beautiful monstera variegata cutting with generous roots, in a few weeks to a sad leaf with slimy root remnants. To be miserable. Root rot is caused by Too much water and an lack of oxygen† But don't worry! In this blog we will teach you how to save your monstera cutting from root rot!
Table of contents
Step 1: Inspect your cutting and its roots
Does your cutting look sappy? Maybe he suffers from root rot. Carefully rinse the roots of your cutting under the tap. This way you can get a better look at the roots. Healthy roots are often white or brown and look firm. Root rot can be recognized by slimy, limp roots that break quickly.
Step 2: Remove the affected parts of the roots
Now that you can clearly see which parts of the roots are rotten, you can remove them. Carefully cut off the rotten roots with a disinfected knife. Remove all affected parts, otherwise the rot will spread further.
Step 3: Put your cutting in a new pot
It is important that you do not put your cutting back in the same pot. It may be contaminated with bacteria that caused the rot. You can choose to put your cutting back in potting soil. Then place your cutting in a new pot with new soil. Use an airy potting soil mix and let your cutting dry out for a while.
You can also choose to use a different growing medium. For example, consider perlite (Perlite 10L of perlite 6L), sphagnum moss, vermiculite of hydro granules† Each growing medium has its pros and cons, but that's for another time.
The advantage of perlite is that it is very airy and a lot of oxygen can get through. It is also very light and young roots grow easily in it. At least this monstera cutting has it approved!
Step 4: Patience
It will take some time for your cutting to develop new roots. As long as your leaves are still looking good, you can rest assured that your cutting is busy producing roots. A warm spot with a lot of indirect sunlight and a humidity between 50-60% is ideal. It took four long weeks for new growth to be discovered on this cutting, but wow! How beautiful that is.
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Step 5: Repot cuttings
Once your cutting has developed firm roots of at least five centimeters, you can choose to put the cutting back in the ground. Then provide an airy mix, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, coconut fiber and tree bark. An airy potting soil mix provides better drainage and more oxygen at roots so that root rot no longer stands a chance!
