Root Rot In Cannabis (How To Recognize, Fix & Prevent It)

Root rot is a silent enemy lurking beneath the soil.

It can spell disaster for your precious cannabis crop.

Root rot in cannabis is a fungal or bacterial disease attacks the roots.

It hinders their ability to absorb water and nutrients, ultimately leading to stunted growth, wilting, and even plant death.

But fear not.

By understanding the signs, taking decisive and early action, and implementing smart prevention strategies, you can keep your cannabis plants healthy and look forward to a bumper batch of buds.

 

Root Rot In Cannabis Plants

The key to battling root rot and saving your cannabis crop lies in early detection. You should constantly be monitoring your weed plants anyway, so that you can detect any issues early, be it root rot or something else.

 

Recognizing Root Rot: Early Signs And Confirmation

When you are inspecting your marijuana plants (as you should be doing on a regular basis), be on the lookout for these crucial clues that can hint at trouble beneath the soil line.

 

Early Signs Of Root Rot

The early signs of your plants suffering from root rot include lackluster leaves that appear droopy and limp. The usually vibrant green foliage may begin to lose its color, showing signs of yellowing, browning, or even unusual purple hues.

If you start to notice these signs, you should investigate further to confirm the diagnosis. If these initial signs persist, you will need to examine your plants more closely for further confirmation.

A pungent, unpleasant smell emanating from the soil can be another strong indicator of root rot’s presence. If you notice the unpleasant smell in addition to the wilting leaves, swift action is crucial.

The sooner you confirm root rot, the better your chances are of successfully treating and saving your plants.

 

Confirming The Diagnosis

For absolute confirmation, you can carefully dig the plant up and examine its root system. Healthy roots should be white and firm, while rotten roots will have a discolored brown or black hue and feel mushy and slimy to the touch.

To remove the plant from its pot, gently lift the plant and carefully rinse off excess soil from the roots using gentle running water.

 

Fixing Root Rot In Marijuana Plants

Once you have confirmed root rot, time is of the essence! You will need to follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Inspect the roots: Carefully separate healthy (white) from rotten (brown/black) roots. Prune away the diseased ones using sterilized tools.
• Repot in fresh soil: Choose well-draining soil or medium and avoid reusing the old soil. Also ensure the new pots have adequate drainage holes at the bottom.
• Adjust watering: Overwatering is a major cause of root rot. In the future you should let the soil dry out partially before watering again.

 

Boosting Your Plants’ Recovery

Once you have pruned back the diseased roots and re-potted any affected plants, there are a few steps that you can follow to increase the chances of your plants bouncing back.

• Chemical Treatment: Depending on the severity of the root rot, additional treatment might be beneficial. Fungicides or beneficial bacteria applications can offer support, but remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for optimal results and safety.
• Minimize Stress: Plants under stress are more susceptible to disease. Take a look at your growing environment and make adjustments to reduce stress on your plant. This could involve lowering the light intensity, adjusting the temperature, or ensuring proper air circulation.
• Monitor Closely: Keep a keen eye on your plants, monitoring for any signs of improvement or worsening. Look for changes in leaf color, wilting, and new root growth. Early detection of any further issues will allow you to take swift action and optimize your plant’s recovery journey.
• Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Don’t forget to reassess your watering habits and adopt a new approach. Let the soil dry out partially before watering again. Use your finger to check the moisture level – water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Consistent, thoughtful watering is key to preventing future issues.

 

Potential Treatments To Aid Recovery

The following are some additional treatments you can use to help your plants recover faster and stronger.

• Beneficial Bacteria: Beneficial bacteria can help combat root rot by promoting a healthy root environment. You can add these bacteria to the growing medium or use them as a root drench. They help to outcompete the harmful pathogens that cause root rot.
• Copper Treatments: Copper treatments can be effective in controlling root rot. You can apply copper-based fungicides or bactericides to the affected plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These treatments help to kill the pathogens causing root rot.
• Oil Sprays: You can also use oil sprays with ingredients like clove, coriander oil, or sesame oil to treat root rot. These oils have antifungal properties and can help control the spread of the disease .
• Trichoderma: Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that you can use to treat root rot. You can apply it to the growing medium or use it as a root drench. Trichoderma helps to suppress the growth of harmful pathogens and promotes healthy root development.

 

Preventing Future Incidents Of Root Rot

While tips for preventing root rot may be a little too late if you were searching for help in fighting it, there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the chances of you encountering the same problem again in the future.

• Watering Schedule: Remember to avoid overwatering your plants in the future. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch and ensure your pots have adequate drainage holes to release excess water. Or use fabric smart pots.
• Healthy Environment: Maintain good air circulation in your grow, avoid excessive heat and humidity, and sterilize all pots and tools before use.
• Nutrient Balance: Over-fertilizing can stress your plants’ root system. Provide balanced nutrients according to your plant’s needs at the different stages of growth.

 

Root Rot On Weed Plants: Final Thoughts

Root rot in cannabis plants is a common cannabis grow problem and a formidable challenge that can seriously impact the health and yield of your crop. Vigilance in recognizing the early signs, such as droopy, discolored leaves and a foul smell from the soil, is essential for early detection and effective treatment.

If root rot is confirmed by examining the roots, immediate action involving removal of affected roots, repotting in fresh soil, and adjusting watering practices is necessary to salvage the plant.

Preventing future incidents of root rot revolves around proper watering techniques, maintaining a healthy growing environment, and ensuring a balanced nutrient supply. By implementing these preventative measures and staying informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of root rot and keep your cannabis plants thriving.

Remember, the key to overcoming root rot is a combination of proactive prevention, early detection, and swift, effective treatment.