Can I save a plant with no healthy roots left?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Restoring a plant with no viable root system may seem impossible, but I've even revived rare plants with desperate attempts. A client's beloved Philodendron is glorious, even though rotten, sprouted new growth after 8 weeks in water infused with hydrogen peroxide. Success requires perfect conditions and prolonged patience.
Stem Propagation
- Cut 6-inch stem sections with 2-3 nodes
- Dip in rooting hormone (cloning gel works best)
- Plant in sphagnum moss under 80% humidity
Water Therapy
- Suspend stem above water (1:10 peroxide ratio)
- Change water weekly to prevent biofilm
- Wait 4-12 weeks for thread-like roots
Air Layering
- Wrap damp moss around bare nodes with plastic
- Inject 1% peroxide solution weekly
- Cut only after roots fill the moss ball
I learned some harsh trials from my Monstera Thai Constellation. It completely lost all its roots (100% root loss), so as an experiment, I decided to suspend its stem in a mixture of peroxide water. After 14 weeks, several hair-like roots started to develop. Now, it is growing nicely, which proves that while no healthy roots maybe might as be game over, it is not always.
Light and humidity are not negotiable. Keep the grow light at 2000 lux, and keep the humidity in the terrarium at 85% at all times. I keep rescues at 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). A little warmer than normal helps stimulate cell activity in rehabilitation. With rescue plants, I check progress every week and toss them if I see mold by week three.
Read the full article: How to Treat Root Rot: 7 Essential Steps to Save Your Plants
