Author Question: What does overwatering have to do with root and crown rot? Describe how this can become a problem. ... (Read 38 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jul 21, 2018

What does overwatering have to do with root and crown rot? Describe how this can become a
problem.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the process of leaching salts from existing media.

What will be an ideal response?

Briannahope · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 21, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Above ground level, symptoms of root and crown rot such as leaf and stem wilt are exhibited, even
after watering. This wilt is exacerbated by the practice of multiple waterings to counteract the problem.
The additional water creates anaerobic conditions; in other words, it limits the necessary oxygen roots
need to survive, but allows disease to thrive. Foliage yellows and dies, then the entire plant ultimately
dies. By the time symptoms are present, control may be difficult. This problem is better solved before
it occurs.

Answer to Question 2

Sometimes leaching salts from potting media is more practical than replacing the media. Multiple
waterings during a short time span, perhaps one day, allow salts to stream through the media and wash
out through the pots drainage holes. Excess leachate should be drained away as soon as possible from
the plant. This type of preventive work is messy, and, therefore, cannot easily be performed at the
interiorscape site. It may be beneficial to temporarily replace the plant to be leached with another. As
part of regular maintenance, plants may be rotated this way, some on display and some at the
interiorscape home site.