Root Rot on hoya
What's Happening
Hoya roots feature a thick, protective white outer sheath that encases the delicate vascular stele. When roots remain waterlogged for 7-14 days in moisture-retentive soil or moss, anaerobic bacteria and oomycetes (Pythium spp.) break down this protective cortex. The sheath sloughs off, leaving thin, stringy, hair-like root remnants that cannot uptake water or nutrients. This differs from healthy fine aerial roots which remain sheathed and functional.
How to Fix It
- 1
Unpot plant and rinse roots in lukewarm water to expose full root system
- 2
Identify rotted roots: thin, desiccated, stringy texture with no white outer sheath
- 3
Trim ALL rotted roots with sterilized scissors until only firm, white-sheathed roots remain
- 4
Sterilize cut ends with 3% hydrogen peroxide (1:2 dilution with water) for 20 minutes
- 5
Repot in well-draining mix: 50% perlite/pumice, 30% orchid bark, 20% coco coir
- 6
Withhold water for 7-10 days post-repot to allow wound callusing
- 7
Resume watering only when top 2-3 inches of mix are completely dry
How to Prevent It
Use unglazed terracotta pots to wick excess moisture; maintain 50-70% humidity via pebble trays to reduce watering frequency; employ chunky inorganic mixes with >50% perlite/bark; water only when pot feels lightweight and top 2 inches are dry.