root rot on Philodendron Sellum
Quick answer
If your Philodendron Sellum has root rot, the most likely cause is: Root rot in Philodendron sellum (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, horsehead philodendron) is a fungal infection of the root system triggered by chronic overwatering or a dense, poorly drained compost; the roots turn soft and dark, can no longer move water up to the foliage, and the plant shows yellow, wilting leaves that turn brown before the whole specimen collapses.
Start here:
- 1. Remove the plant from its pot and wash away the old compost so the roots can be inspected clearly, then trim off every soft, dark root with a sharp sterile knife, keeping only firm white healthy roots.
- 2. Cut the top growth back to balance the reduced root system, treat the remaining roots with a fungicide, and repot into a clean disinfected pot filled with fresh free-draining compost.
Why Philodendron Sellum gets root rot
philodendron sellum
Root rot in Philodendron sellum (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, horsehead philodendron) is a fungal infection of the root system triggered by chronic overwatering or a dense, poorly drained compost; the roots turn soft and dark, can no longer move water up to the foliage, and the plant shows yellow, wilting leaves that turn brown before the whole specimen collapses.
How to reverse root rot on Philodendron Sellum
- 1
Remove the plant from its pot and wash away the old compost so the roots can be inspected clearly, then trim off every soft, dark root with a sharp sterile knife, keeping only firm white healthy roots.
- 2
Cut the top growth back to balance the reduced root system, treat the remaining roots with a fungicide, and repot into a clean disinfected pot filled with fresh free-draining compost.
Keep root rot off this Philodendron Sellum
Water the plant only after the top of the compost has dried out a little, keep the plant in a warm bright spot with good airflow, use a free-draining aroid mix with perlite or bark, and never let the pot sit in standing water.