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Cacti & Succulents

What does root rot look like?

13 years ago

Does anyone have any pictures I couldn't find examples anywhere. I am wondering if the aloe I brought home a few weeks ago has root rot. It was in a sopping wet pot with black muck and I took it out, let it dry for a few days, and it is now sitting in (tested and sifted) oil dry. I have not watered it yet.

I don't have a picture right now but most of the roots looked kind of like mini tree bark on their surfaces. I am a total novice and have to say I have not yet seen what the roots of a succulent look like.

If it IS root rot where would I chop the roots off, just above where they grow out of the plant? And then just let it hang out for a while until the roots start? Thanks

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Comments (4)

amccour
13 years ago
I'd tend to think that if the roots were mushy, and black/bright orange/really dark brown then it'd be rot. From what I've seen on my own plants, roots get a sort of barkish coating on them as they get bigger, from lignification and age.
norma_2006
13 years ago
Good response, it also may have a foul odor. Great response above and very accurate. Norma
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MojaveLove
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks! Mine is definitely not mushy or smelly so it sounds like it is still healthy.
cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
13 years ago
ML,

For Aloes, it's easy. Healthy Aloe roots are yellow (the shading depends on the species of the Aloe and the age of the root). It is a natural process for older, thinner roots to die off, so when you repot go ahead and clean up the root ball. The old ones look dead and peel off pretty easily.

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