root rot on Astrophytum Myriostigma
Quick answer
If your Astrophytum Myriostigma has root rot, the most likely cause is: Astrophytum myriostigma, like other cacti, is prone to rot that appears at the base of the plant as a black, discolored patch with soft, pulpy plant tissue behind it, and to a root rot in which stems and roots turn brown, soften and spread; this rot is invited by the moist, poorly drained soil that the sun-loving, dry-habitat Bishop's Cap cannot tolerate, especially when overwintered in cold wet compost.
Start here:
- 1. Remove the discolored black patches and soft pulpy tissue at the base of the plant, allow the cut surfaces to dry and callus, then spray with a copper-, sulfur- or neem oil-based fungicide.
- 2. Repot the trimmed plant into a fresh, sharply drained cactus mix of 1 part commercial potting soil to 1 part sharp sand and do not water for at least a week after repotting.
Why Astrophytum Myriostigma gets root rot
Astrophytum Myriostigma
Astrophytum myriostigma, like other cacti, is prone to rot that appears at the base of the plant as a black, discolored patch with soft, pulpy plant tissue behind it, and to a root rot in which stems and roots turn brown, soften and spread; this rot is invited by the moist, poorly drained soil that the sun-loving, dry-habitat Bishop's Cap cannot tolerate, especially when overwintered in cold wet compost.
How to reverse root rot on Astrophytum Myriostigma
- 1
Remove the discolored black patches and soft pulpy tissue at the base of the plant, allow the cut surfaces to dry and callus, then spray with a copper-, sulfur- or neem oil-based fungicide.
- 2
Repot the trimmed plant into a fresh, sharply drained cactus mix of 1 part commercial potting soil to 1 part sharp sand and do not water for at least a week after repotting.
- 3
Cut watering back to just enough to prevent shriveling in winter and let the soil become almost totally dry between drinks in spring and fall, so the base of the plant never sits in cold, wet compost.
Keep root rot off this Astrophytum Myriostigma
Give Astrophytum myriostigma a very sunny position and a particularly well drained soil, withhold water in winter for a complete rest, water only when the soil is dry to the touch in the growing season, and use a fast-draining 1:1 mix of potting soil and sharp sand so the base of the plant stays dry.