Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a topical disinfectant and personal care product. However, most people are unaware that it also has a fascinating application: treat plant root rot.
With that being said, you may wonder: “how to treat root rot with hydrogen peroxide?” Follow the article from gardening101.net below to find the answer.
What Are The Symptoms And Reasons Of Root Rot?
Symptoms Of Root Rot
Rapidly yellowing and wilted leaves are the warning signs during the initial days of the rotting process of the roots. The roots of the plants will become mushy, and your plant will become stunted. If not addressed promptly, the rot of tree roots will kill your plant in a few days.
Here are some of the most common signs of root rot:
- The plant’s growth is stifled.
- Brown, dark, and mushy roots are brittle to the touch.
- During the day, the plant wilts, but at night, it remains vibrant.
- Yellow leaves
Reasons
Root rot is one of the most prevalent issues that arise during the plant-growing process. This disease is normally caused by two main factors.
The first reason is overwatering, which causes the plant to be submerged in an excessive amount of water and unable to breathe. Therefore, the roots do not have respiration, causing inhibition and the rot of tree roots.
Another reason is that plants can become infected by a number of factors, including bacteria, fungus, microbes in the soil, or poisoned due to trace element accumulation.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide, also known as H2O2, is a chemical substance. In contrast to water, which is made up of H2O, the mentioned chemical has an extra molecule of oxygen. H2O2 is often used for disinfecting and accelerates the healing procedure of wounds, cuts, and fungal infection in humans. They can even act as a whitening and brightening agent.
The extra molecule of oxygen in its formula makes it such a miraculous treatment for root rotting plants. Mold, bacteria, and fungi are all killed by the high level of oxygen in this chemical. The chemical is so powerful that it is capable of destroying some bacteria and boosting oxygen levels if used correctly.
This strength is incredibly beneficial to plants. If you’ve been fighting root rot, powdery mildew, fungus gnats, or many other types of pests in your land, H2O2 is worth a shot.
Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Effective For Root Rot?
Hydrogen peroxide can eliminate root rot because it kills the microorganisms that cause rooting. After being absorbed in the earth, this chemical will break down, releasing more oxygen and stimulating the growth of roots by generating more space in the soil. This means the plant will be able to develop new, healthier roots.
The fungus’ cell walls are eliminated by hydrogen peroxide. This will kill the fungus and prevent it from spreading further. To get the best results, make sure you’re using it appropriately.
How To Treat Root Rot With Hydrogen Peroxide
One thing worth noting is that not all root-rotted plants can be revived. However, in some cases, this chemical can help the plant establish new, healthy roots by killing rot-causing bacteria and releasing more oxygen into the soil.
You must act promptly if you want to employ hydrogen peroxide to help root rot. Here are step by step instructions:
Step 1: First, immediately remove the plant from the pot and rinse the soil under the faucet. Next, carefully observe the plant’s roots and lightly pinch them to test their bounce with your hand. If they crumble when pinched, this is an indication of the rotting roots.
Step 2: Determine the severity of the condition by looking at the color of the root development. The deep, white roots are a sign of strength. If the roots have turned brown or near black, it’s time to begin pruning. At this stage, you should cut out the dead roots. Use clean scissors to cut out all the brown or black tree roots until only roots with white color remain.
Step 3: Replace the plant in fresh potting soil. You can retain the plant in the soil with old age, but this is not recommended. If you do this, make sure the soil is fully dry. To minimize additional harm, you should transplant the plant to a new fresh mix of soil.
Step 4: Mix a 15ml (roughly a tablespoon) 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with 240ml ( about a cup) of clean water. If you’re using an old container, wait until the soil is dry before applying this method by watering the soil.
Step 5: If you decide to repot your plants, spray a hydrogen peroxide mixture around the tree roots before starting the repotting process. Use the prepared mix to water the soil until it is moist to the touch but not soggy.
Step 6: Before adding more hydrogen peroxide mix, let the soil dry to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Continue to use hydrogen peroxide for plants until the root rot has disappeared.
Should Hydrogen Peroxide Be Used As A Preventative Measure?
It is critical to recognize that this substance is not a fertilizer. It doesn’t give plants any nourishment; instead, it gives you an extra dose of oxygen wherever you put it.
The extra oxygen molecule in this chemical helps plant roots absorb nutrients faster while preventing fungus and bacteria from growing.
However, if you use it frequently, it can harm beneficial soil organisms. It is best to treat it as a medicine rather than a source of nutrition. We suggest that you only use them when the plant is unwell.
Final Thoughts
In general, root rot should be avoided during planting because it is difficult to recover once the tree has developed this disease. Hopefully, after reading this article, you will know how to treat root rot with hydrogen peroxide and have a lush and beautiful garden.