root rot on Phoenix Canariensis
Quick answer
If your Phoenix Canariensis has root rot, the most likely cause is: Phoenix canariensis is a true palm, and the reference work on houseplants lists root rot (also called tuber rot) as occurring mainly on palms, cacti, succulents, begonias and African violets, with plants wilting and stem bases turning soft and black in cold, compacted, airless, continuously waterlogged compost.
Start here:
- 1. Unpot the palm, shake off the saturated compost and inspect the rootball, cutting away any soft black roots and stem bases with a clean knife before repotting into fresh, freely draining soil-based compost.
- 2. Repot only into a pot with working drainage and a crock over the hole, water sparingly until new root growth appears, and keep the plant in bright but indirect light with normal room temperatures while it recovers.
Why Phoenix Canariensis gets root rot
Phoenix Canariensis
Phoenix canariensis is a true palm, and the reference work on houseplants lists root rot (also called tuber rot) as occurring mainly on palms, cacti, succulents, begonias and African violets, with plants wilting and stem bases turning soft and black in cold, compacted, airless, continuously waterlogged compost.
How to reverse root rot on Phoenix Canariensis
- 1
Unpot the palm, shake off the saturated compost and inspect the rootball, cutting away any soft black roots and stem bases with a clean knife before repotting into fresh, freely draining soil-based compost.
- 2
Repot only into a pot with working drainage and a crock over the hole, water sparingly until new root growth appears, and keep the plant in bright but indirect light with normal room temperatures while it recovers.
Keep root rot off this Phoenix Canariensis
Use a well-drained, loam-based compost, allow the top of the compost to dry slightly between waterings, and never let the pot stand in excess drained water so the roots are never continuously waterlogged.