Question
Ming Aralia
Hi Darlene-
Here is another picture of my Ming Aralia that suspect has root rot. Thanks!! Also, could you tell me the best way to check for root rot? Does it require taking the entire plant out of the pot?
AnswerMarlie,
You can try wiggling the plant gently, if it moves easily you may have root rot. The only way to be absolutely sure is to remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots but that also can damage the roots. If it has root rot at this point it probably happened before you took ownership of the plant. You might want to get a moisture meter at a garden center such as Menards or Lowes for under $15.00 and check the soil before you water. Do not water until it reads almost dry low in the pot. Most of the time when it feels dry on the surface when the pot is that large there is still plenty of moisture lower in the soil and the plant doesn't need water for a few more days. Roots need breathing periods between waterings to breath in carbon dioxide through the soil. If they do not get those breathing periods the roots begin to rot. Giving the plant slightly longer dry periods between waterings will go a long way toward solving root rot problems. Emptying the drain try after watering will let it dry out faster. You can use an old turkey baster to empty it. Your aralia is beautiful. I would invest in the moisture meter just for that plant. Good luck.
Darlene
