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Succulent Plant Rot

Succulent Plant Rot Description:

Rot is one of the most common ailments to growers of succulent plants and it is usually caused by the grower overwatering or keeping the succulent in an area that is too damp. succulent Plant Rot is caused by various fungi that are present in the environment.

Succulents are desert plants that have adapted to survive droughts and extreme dry conditions therefore you should water them sparingly at all times and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Another cause of rot is the use of a soil medium that does not drain freely, especially with plants such as the Asclepiads. Always use a medium that does not allow the water to build up around the stem for more than a few minutes (I use a medium that practically drains away on completion of the watering).

Rot may also be caused by other Pests such as mealy bugs, especially the kind that attacks the roots. These pests suck the sap from the plants and it is the wounds left behind by these pests that allow fungal infection to attack the plant.

Rot comes in many forms and it is usually discovered to late. Always inspect your plants for discolored areas and stems and leaves that are soft or mushy to the touch.

There are different types of rot and the following is a brief description of them;

• Crown rot is the internal rotting of the plant which causes the plant to collapse.
• Stem rot (mainly euphorbias) causes the stem to rot, usually at the base of the stem.
• Blotchy stem rot caused by orange stink bugs.
• Fungal rot looks like a brown watery blemish on the plant.
• Rotting mesemb bushes.
• Black rot usually follows a woolly aphid attack (root mealybug).

Succulent Plant Rot Treatment:

NB: When treating plants that are infected with rot always keep your equipment clean and sterile, wash your hands before handling any other plants.

Crown rot:

• Remove the infected area with a clean sharp knife then seal the wound with crushed charcoal and flowers of sulphur, make sure the removed area dries out completely.

• Remove rot, turn the remaining part into a cutting, simply treaty with flowers of sulphur and tree sealer, allow cut area to dry then strike the cutting.

Stem rot caused by woolly aphid/root mealy bug

• Metesystox - 10ml/10l water, for the control of the bugs.  Cut away infected areas and spray

• Remove damaged areas with a clean sharp knife, treat with flowers of sulphur .  Spray plant with a mix of benelate and Dithane M45.

• Treat with Ridomil ML. 30g/10l water, and hope for the best.

• Remove infected parts with a clean knife, spray with benelate and treat with flowers of sulphur.