root rot on Cotyledon
Quick answer
If your Cotyledon has root rot, the most likely cause is: Growing succulents in pots without drainage holes causes water to accumulate at the bottom, creating perpetually soggy soil. This leads to root suffocation and rot. Even when excess water is drained by tipping the pot, moisture remains trapped against the pot walls, maintaining anaerobic conditions that promote Pythium and Rhizoctonia growth.
Start here:
- 1. 1. Check if pot has drainage hole — if not, immediate transplant is necessary
- 2. 2. Remove plant and inspect roots for browning, softening, or mushy texture
Why Cotyledon gets root rot
Growing succulents in pots without drainage holes causes water to accumulate at the bottom, creating perpetually soggy soil. This leads to root suffocation and rot. Even when excess water is drained by tipping the pot, moisture remains trapped against the pot walls, maintaining anaerobic conditions that promote Pythium and Rhizoctonia growth.
How to reverse root rot on Cotyledon
- 1
1. Check if pot has drainage hole — if not, immediate transplant is necessary
- 2
2. Remove plant and inspect roots for browning, softening, or mushy texture
- 3
3. Trim all damaged roots with sterile utility knife
- 4
4. Repot in container with drainage hole using 5:3:2 Akadama:Kanuma:mulch mix
- 5
5. Add layer of large-grain Akadama or pumice at pot bottom before adding soil
- 6
6. Water only after top inch of soil dries completely
Keep root rot off this Cotyledon
Always use pots with at least one drainage hole at the bottom. Even decorative pots without holes can be used as outer containers if an inner pot with drainage is placed inside.