How Do You Save A Rotting Spider Plant?

Have you ever washed your Spider Plant and been surprised when it’s gone rotten soon after? These plants are awesome indoor houseplants and can provide a friendly bit of greenery in your workspace. So how do you save the plant from rotting before your eyes? Let’s go over some common causes and then some specific solutions to help you save a Spider Plant that’s rotting.

Table of Contents

How Do You Save A Rotting Spider Plant?

When the roots of your spider plant rot, it is always possible to save the plant in the shortest period of time possible. The treatments indicated below are great for reviving your wonderful plant’s health.

Repotting

Repotting is the act of transferring your spider plant to a new pot in order for it to grow. When repotting your plant, it is important to use new soil and a new container. This will help guarantee that you get the best possible outcomes.

Follow these instructions if repotting is your only option:

Prepare the working space, and collect all of the necessary tools and supplies.

While holding the leaves or stems gently, slip the plant out of the planter while supporting the base of the planter.

Loosen the plant’s roots and cut back any unhealthy ones that are spreading. It’s best not to mess with the roots that are healthier and thicker.

Separate the huge roots using a shovel or a knife.

If you wish to get rid of the fungus, clean the container, or you might even consider purchasing a new one.

Make sure the new pot has holes in the bottom for drainage. You might even cover its foundation with rocks or gravel if you choose.

Combine the new soil with part of the older soil, as the older soil has nutrients that make it easier for plants to flourish.

After mixing the soil, fill the new pot with a portion of it (at least seven inches).

Moving your spider plant to the new container is the next step. Be certain that it is in the middle, and then use the soil to hold it in place.

Try to avoid putting too much soil into the container. This is due to the fact that it hinders respiration as well as the delivery of nutrients.

Water it properly and watch your prized plant thrive.

TIP: Repotting should be done every two to three years. Repotting your spider plant should be done when it is getting close to springtime for the greatest results.

Using the Correct Soil Mix

Using any type of soil is one of the contributing elements that might lead to spider plant root rot. Therefore, the type of soil you select is one of the most important factors to think about if you want your plant to be healthy.

Garden soil is not the best option since it exposes the plant to a variety of pests and diseases, including mildew and insects.

Before you start planting, you should always do some study to determine the best kind of soil. Make sure the soil is consistent; it should neither be too dry nor overly moist.

TIP: A general-purpose soil that includes perlite or pumice is an excellent medium for growing houseplants.

Watering Following Repotting

Two days before repotting your spider plant, make sure to give it some water. This keeps the plant hydrated and reduces the possibilities of it withering or dying.

TIP: Give your plant some time to recover before watering it again in around five to seven days.

After-Repotting Care

Because the roots should be intact, you should give your spider plant time to heal and thrive. You need to make sure you complete the following:

In the first two weeks after the plant has been planted, you should not touch it under any circumstances, even if it seems weak and is drooping.

Water once a week and make it a habit. However, you must use caution in order to avoid making the soil too wet.

There is a chance that the roots will die; avoid damaging them or the plant.

The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the spring and summer months.

TIP: By taking proper care of your plant, you may rejuvenate it.

Prevent Waterlogging

Frequent watering of the spider plant causes soil and plant clogging.

This soil develops frost, which in turn fosters the growth of fungus, which in turn leads to the roots beginning to rot. If you feel that your spider plant is getting too much water, you can save it by doing the following:

Remove the plant from its container in a careful manner.

Gently wash the roots under running water.

Roots that are unhealthy should be pruned.

Fungicide should be applied to the roots.

Put your plant in some new soil, and give it time to flourish there.

TIP: Before watering, let your spider plant dry out.

Watering Schedule

For people who have never grown spider plants before, watering is a big concern. It is advised that you water consistently in the first few weeks after planting. Additionally, you should refrain from watering the plant throughout its dormant season.

TIP: Before watering, test the soil with your finger to see if it is moist or dry.

Avoid Excessive Fertilizer Use

The spider plant, much like any other plant, is susceptible to death if given an excessive amount of fertilizer. It is the result of poisonous substances in the soil, which cause harm to the soil.

Solutions for excessive fertilizer:

If you believe that fertilizing is the source of the rot in your spider plant roots, stop doing it.

Replace the soil with new soil and then flush the existing soil with running water.

It is recommended that you use a diluted solution to fertilize your plant.

Avoid feeding the plant in the winter since it will overgrow.

Instead of using chemical fertilizers, use organic fertilizers.

Fertilize your plants three times per year.

TIP: Fertilize only once every three months.

Keep an eye on the humidity levels.

Low humidity makes it difficult for the spider plant to sprout and grow. Be sure to give your plant consistent waterings throughout the summer.

TIP: Make sure your plant grows in a humid environment.

Diseases, bacteria, fungi, and pests

Bacteria and fungi, in addition to pests and diseases, can all contribute to the rotting of your spider plant’s roots. The appearance of black leaves with dots is a typical sign.

You need to examine to see whether the stems are harmed, and then you should get rid of the plant since it will eventually perish. It is possible for the infection to spread to other houseplants if you do not get rid of the plant.

If the stems themselves are not affected, you will just need to prune the unhealthy roots. Neem oil is another option you have available to you. If you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, insecticidal soap might also assist.

In addition to that, use hydrogen peroxide on a regular basis to eliminate any germs and fungus. In addition to this, it ensures that the plant is healthy by assisting in the absorption of nutrients.

When treating spider root rot, use hydrogen peroxide as follows:

Get three percent of the solution, and for each cup of water, add one tablespoon of the solution.

Spray near the base of the plant, but avoid watering the leaves.

Give the soil some time to absorb the solution.

TIP: Use hydrogen peroxide when watering.

Pruning

Your spider plant will overgrow if you overwater it or over fertilize it. The best treatment is to trim it by removing damaged leaves and brown tips and cutting the foliage.

Pruning Instructions:

Trim the spots that seem unhealthy using sharp, sterilized scissors.

Snip the tips at an angle.

Replanting requires trimming plantlets.

TIP: To minimize overwatering, prune your plants on a regular basis.

Propagation

It’s recommended to consider propagation if you can’t save your spider plant from root rot by repotting.

You may replant your old spider plant so that you have numerous new ones, each of which will make your home look more attractive.

Tips that will help your dying spider plant live on

You can keep your spider plant alive by following these steps:

Determine whether your plant is on the point of dying.
Remove any weak or dead branches, as well as any leaves that have turned yellow.

You are going to need the stem when you repot the plant, so don’t mess with it.
Identify the issue; is it a case of root rot?
You should either water the plant that is withering or relocate it to a more humid location.

Excess water should be drained from an overwatered plant.
Fertilize to add nutrition.
If you have a problem with pests, you should use a pesticide.

Spider Plant Root Rot Prevention and Control

Because root rot is a typical spider plant gardening issue, you may avoid it by following these steps:

Water only when the soil seems dry to the touch.

Watering should be avoided throughout the winter and dormant seasons.

Place your plants in a container that has excellent drainage.

You should apply fertilizer to your plant once every three months, or just once in the spring.

When you water your plant, use either distilled water or rainwater instead of tap water.

Low humidity levels should be avoided.

In the event that you fear waterlogging, carefully drain the pot.

To get rid of germs, bugs, and illnesses, use fungicides such as hydrogen peroxide.

Avoid excessive temperatures (ideally, 60-75 °F/15-25 °C).

You should move your plant so that it is receiving the ideal amount of light, which should neither be too high nor too low.

Make sure you use the right soil. When planting in the garden, loose, loamy soil is ideal.

Avoid using fertilizers that include any chemicals. Instead, go for organic alternatives.

Irrigate two days prior to repotting.

Spider Plant Root Rot Control

Root rot may be controlled and prevented from infecting the entire spider plant. Do the following if you have any reason to suspect root rot:

Watering and fertilization should be stopped.
Prune your plant frequently before watering it.
Replant or repot in the spring.

Give the plant time to recuperate after repotting.
In the event that the stems are damaged, it is recommended that they be discarded rather than repotted.

Conclusion

How Do You Save A Rotting Spider Plant?

When your spider plant starts to look sad, you’ll need to react quickly. A quick response can save the plant and keep it alive for another year or even longer. You won’t have to buy a new one because of a little neglect. Follow these easy steps to learn how to save your spider plant from dying.

FAQS

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Root Rot?

The application of hydrogen peroxide as a treatment for rotting roots is the optimal course of action. Because it has oxygen molecules in it, it aerates the soil and makes it easier for plants to grow in it.

However, it will be beneficial if you use a diluted solution because an excessive amount of the solution will completely damage the plant’s roots. You need to make sure that you follow the directions given by the manufacturer.