How to prevent root rot in potted plants?

Prevention of root rot begins with effective watering strategies. Never automatically supply water. Check first. Stick a finger two inches down in the soil. Only water if it feels dry. I saved my fiddle leaf fig by not following my watering schedule during humid weeks. Root rot is a fungal feast!

Improve the aeration of your plant's soil by mixing in some perlite (or pumice), which also provides minerals. For most plants, a ratio of about 1 part perlite to 2 parts soil is ideal. Cacti require a mixture of half sandy soil and half pumice. The two combine to make the air pockets that your plant's roots require. After trying my hardest to grow orchids in a dense mix of moss, they rewarded me once I remedied the situation. Repot them every 18 months.

Religious sterilization. Simply wiping your pruning shears with a bit of alcohol after every plant will help prevent spores from spreading to the next one. Dip your pots in a diluted bleach solution before you reuse them. Dirty tools can spread spores of fungus gnats. I always keep the disinfectant spray close to my workspace. This has saved my greenhouse from numerous outbreaks.

Apply natural fungicides monthly. Make cinnamon spray: mix 2 tablespoons of powder with 1 cup of water. Spray soil after you water your plant. For extra protection, use garlic solution every other week. Rotate treatments so your plant doesn't get resistant to one. This keeps my peace lilies fungus-free!

Quarantine new plants for 21 days! Far away from others. Check for yellow leaves or gnats. Spray with neem oil. Found a spider mite on a fern I bought. Prevention is better than a cure! Your plants will thank you.

Read the full article: How to Treat Root Rot: Save Your Plants Now