Help
Luna started turning black at the base so i dug her up and the whole lower part was black so i cut it off and now itβs back what do i do to save her?
4β pot with drainage
Last watered 10 months ago
4
Best Answer
Itβs is turning black again even after cutting off the black parts and replanting, itβs very likely being affected by rot, often due to moisture, fungal infection, or contaminated soil.
Hereβs a clear step-by-step solution to save it (if possible) and prevent this from happening again:
βΈ»
π Problem Diagnosis
β’ Black lower stem or roots = root/stem rot
Caused by:
Overwatering
Poor drainage
Replanting into contaminated soil
Fungal pathogens like Pythium or Rhizoctonia
βΈ»
What To Do Now
1. Uproot the Plant (Again)
β’ Gently remove the plant.
β’ Check for any more black or soft tissue.
β’ Cut off everything thatβs even slightly soft, mushy, or black.
2. Let the Plant Dry
β’ Lay the plant in a cool, shaded place for 24β48 hours.
β’ This allows cut parts to callus and dry, preventing further infection.
3. Throw Away Old Soil
β’ Do not reuse the soil. It likely has fungus or bacteria in it.
β’ Wash the pot (if in a container) with soap and hot water, then rinse with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
4. Prepare New Soil
Use a light, fast-draining mix, like:
β’ 2 parts potting soil
β’ 1 part coarse sand or perlite
β’ Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon powder (natural antifungal) to the root zone when replanting.
5. Replant Carefully
β’ Replant only the healthy part.
β’ Donβt bury the stem too deep.
β’ Water only once after planting, then let the soil dry out between waterings.
6. Optional: Use a Fungicide
β’ If rot keeps coming back, consider a fungicide soak for the roots before replanting.
β’ Use a fungicide labeled for root rot or damping off (e.g., ones with copper or neem).
βΈ»
Aftercare Tips
β’ Place in bright but indirect light.
β’ Water only when the top 1β2 inches of soil are dry.
β’ Make sure water can drain freely from the pot or soil bed.
βΈ»
If It Fails Againβ¦
Itβs possible the rot has gone too deep. In that case:
β’ Try taking cuttings from any healthy part (like a leaf or stem) and rooting them in water or clean soil to regrow the plant.
Hereβs a clear step-by-step solution to save it (if possible) and prevent this from happening again:
βΈ»
π Problem Diagnosis
β’ Black lower stem or roots = root/stem rot
Caused by:
Overwatering
Poor drainage
Replanting into contaminated soil
Fungal pathogens like Pythium or Rhizoctonia
βΈ»
What To Do Now
1. Uproot the Plant (Again)
β’ Gently remove the plant.
β’ Check for any more black or soft tissue.
β’ Cut off everything thatβs even slightly soft, mushy, or black.
2. Let the Plant Dry
β’ Lay the plant in a cool, shaded place for 24β48 hours.
β’ This allows cut parts to callus and dry, preventing further infection.
3. Throw Away Old Soil
β’ Do not reuse the soil. It likely has fungus or bacteria in it.
β’ Wash the pot (if in a container) with soap and hot water, then rinse with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
4. Prepare New Soil
Use a light, fast-draining mix, like:
β’ 2 parts potting soil
β’ 1 part coarse sand or perlite
β’ Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon powder (natural antifungal) to the root zone when replanting.
5. Replant Carefully
β’ Replant only the healthy part.
β’ Donβt bury the stem too deep.
β’ Water only once after planting, then let the soil dry out between waterings.
6. Optional: Use a Fungicide
β’ If rot keeps coming back, consider a fungicide soak for the roots before replanting.
β’ Use a fungicide labeled for root rot or damping off (e.g., ones with copper or neem).
βΈ»
Aftercare Tips
β’ Place in bright but indirect light.
β’ Water only when the top 1β2 inches of soil are dry.
β’ Make sure water can drain freely from the pot or soil bed.
βΈ»
If It Fails Againβ¦
Itβs possible the rot has gone too deep. In that case:
β’ Try taking cuttings from any healthy part (like a leaf or stem) and rooting them in water or clean soil to regrow the plant.
itβs suffering from rot, likely due to overwatering or poor drainage. The black, mushy area indicates active rot that has returned even after cutting away the infected parts.
Hereβs what to do right now to try to save it:
βΈ»
πͺ Step 1: Perform a Clean Cut
β’ Remove the plant from the soil again.
β’ With a sterile, sharp knife, cut away all black or mushy tissue until you reach clean, firm flesh.
β’ If thereβs any rot left, it will continue to spread.
βΈ»
π¨ Step 2: Let the Wound Heal
β’ Let the plant dry in a well-ventilated, shady spot for at least 3β7 days.
β’ The wound must callous over before replanting β this step is critical to prevent further rot.
βΈ»
π΅ Step 3: Replant in Dry, Fast-Draining Soil
β’ Use a cactus/succulent mix or make your own with potting soil + perlite/pumice/sand (50/50).
β’ Plant only the healthy part, and do not water for at least a week after replanting.
βΈ»
βοΈ Step 4: Increase Light
β’ your post says the plant is 0 ft from light, which may mean itβs not getting adequate sunlight.
β’ Move it near a bright window (south- or east-facing), or use a grow light. Succulents need lots of indirect light to stay healthy.
βΈ»
π§ Step 5: Water with Caution
β’ Once the plant is healed and in dry soil, only water when the soil is bone dry β typically every 2β3 weeks indoors.
βΈ»
If the rot continues or spreads to the top, the plant may not be salvageable, but sometimes healthy tissue can still regrow or propagate from leaves if conditions improve.
Hereβs what to do right now to try to save it:
βΈ»
πͺ Step 1: Perform a Clean Cut
β’ Remove the plant from the soil again.
β’ With a sterile, sharp knife, cut away all black or mushy tissue until you reach clean, firm flesh.
β’ If thereβs any rot left, it will continue to spread.
βΈ»
π¨ Step 2: Let the Wound Heal
β’ Let the plant dry in a well-ventilated, shady spot for at least 3β7 days.
β’ The wound must callous over before replanting β this step is critical to prevent further rot.
βΈ»
π΅ Step 3: Replant in Dry, Fast-Draining Soil
β’ Use a cactus/succulent mix or make your own with potting soil + perlite/pumice/sand (50/50).
β’ Plant only the healthy part, and do not water for at least a week after replanting.
βΈ»
βοΈ Step 4: Increase Light
β’ your post says the plant is 0 ft from light, which may mean itβs not getting adequate sunlight.
β’ Move it near a bright window (south- or east-facing), or use a grow light. Succulents need lots of indirect light to stay healthy.
βΈ»
π§ Step 5: Water with Caution
β’ Once the plant is healed and in dry soil, only water when the soil is bone dry β typically every 2β3 weeks indoors.
βΈ»
If the rot continues or spreads to the top, the plant may not be salvageable, but sometimes healthy tissue can still regrow or propagate from leaves if conditions improve.
