root rot on Platycerium Bifurcatum
Quick answer
If your Platycerium Bifurcatum has root rot, the most likely cause is: Platycerium bifurcatum kept in soggy compost develops root rot, a fungal infection of the roots that turns them soft and dark; the antler fronds then wilt even though the plant has just been watered, because the decayed root mass can no longer move moisture into the foliage.
Start here:
- 1. Check the plant for root rot and cut away any black and mushy roots before the infection spreads into the healthy root crown.
- 2. Stop watering for a few weeks to let the root zone dry out, then return to a normal regime of keeping the compost lightly moist rather than waterlogged.
Why Platycerium Bifurcatum gets root rot
platycerium bifurcatum
Platycerium bifurcatum kept in soggy compost develops root rot, a fungal infection of the roots that turns them soft and dark; the antler fronds then wilt even though the plant has just been watered, because the decayed root mass can no longer move moisture into the foliage.
How to reverse root rot on Platycerium Bifurcatum
- 1
Check the plant for root rot and cut away any black and mushy roots before the infection spreads into the healthy root crown.
- 2
Stop watering for a few weeks to let the root zone dry out, then return to a normal regime of keeping the compost lightly moist rather than waterlogged.
- 3
Drip dry mounted Platycerium bifurcatum before re-hanging it, and water weekly in a hot dry room or every 2 to 3 weeks in a cool or humid room.
Keep root rot off this Platycerium Bifurcatum
Keep the compost of Platycerium bifurcatum lightly moist at all times rather than waterlogged, because staghorn-type ferns absorb water through both roots and fronds and the fungal root infection only takes hold when the root zone stays wet for too long.