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Help! I found black specks on the roots of my in-water pothos plants.

7 years ago

I've been growing propagated pothos plants in glass bottles for a couple of months now and they have been doing very well but just recently I noticed tiny black specks on some of the roots. A couple of weeks ago I had a problem with fungus gnats but have treated the plants in the house and the problem seems to have gone away but wondering if these specks might be related in any way. Is it safe to remove the plants from their jars and clean the roots off in the sink or is there something else I should do? Thank you!

Featured Answer

Dave

7 years ago

I agree. Those don't look like pothos roots.

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Comments (8)

Dave
7 years ago
We can't help much without photos. Sorry.
Steph J
Original Author
7 years ago
Right, here are a couple of photos for reference. Thank you!
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Steve, I wouldn't have taken the chance of going from water to perlite or soil since pothos and philodendrons can live indefinitely in water, plus it's the safest option for rooting. But I'm glad it's worked out okay and you're seeing new growth in soil mix, a very good sign it's going to be fine. I'd like to suggest that as soon as you have some growth of 6 inches or so, take a cutting. I would keep taking and rooting cuttings until you have at least 3 to 4 plants in separate pots. These backup plants will be good insurance against calamities such as you've had with your old plant which has such sentimental value. Some might think this is over-kill, but I've learned this strategy the hard way. Besides, a plant in several different rooms will be a constant reminder of good times and good memories. Keep us advised how it goes. Russ
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Those roots don’t look very healthy. Roots should be white so unless there is a lot of dirt left on them they don’t look good to me and probably there is root rot. Do the roots feel soft and mushy, do they easily come apart if you tug on them? Pothos root pretty fast. If you want to try and save the plant, I would cut off all the brown roots and put the plant back in water to root again. If you are going to use miracle grow I would add perilite to the soil otherwise it retains too much water. Once back in soil, don’t fertilize until it puts out new growth. Hope this help. Ellen
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lmontestella
7 years ago
I don't get it, those black specks? Why are these roots so long? Are you planning to keep it in water or transfer to soil?

I can't see it well enough, may just be mechanical damage, just cut off that portion of the roots, the plants'll be fine I assure you. I trim my water roots on Pothos from time to time to just an inch or 2" long & the cuttings barely notice.

You sure it's a Pothos above them? Their roots are usually whitish, not so green.

Pls. show us the whole plant, am curious now.

Lena
jentsu926
7 years ago
I hate to be a contrarian, but have you thought about trimming off the roots a bit and transferring
them to some potting soil? You would have a much healthier and probably a
faster growing plant.

I realize some love the idea of growing a plant in water, but unless you are using a full-on hydro setup (oxygenator, nutrient solutions, etc.), I don't feel as though it is best for the plant. I mean, totally fine for rooting cuttings--no issue there.

I tried a pothos in water over a long period of time, and what I ended up with was moldy looking roots, despite frequent water changes, slow growth, and gradual decline. I trimmed and put them in soil, and the plant is huge now. Just a suggestion.
Steph J thanked jentsu926
Steph J
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi,

Thanks all for the feedback. I love the way they look in the glass but you I think you're right, it's time for them to be rooted in some soil. Pinterest plant photos can be so seductive. Thanks again for the responses, I appreciate it!
lmontestella
7 years ago
Won't you pls post a pic of the whole plant as I asked? To repeat, I doubt this is a Pothos.

As I said, the roots don't look like Pothos, I suspect you have some other plant & if not correctly identified you may unknowingly give it incorrect care.

Sadly, places like Pinterest appear to be all about APPEARANCES & DECOR which unfortunately, does little to nothing for the welfare of the plants.

Lena
Karen S. (7b, NYC)
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Steph,

I agree & second the request for a pic of the actual plant pls, still doubting it's a Pothos at all.

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