Based off research into the causality of root rot, this professional, pest-free potting mix incorporates several key ingredients to improve the air circulation, moisture-absorption & overall structure in your plant's soil medium. This potting mix will be bursting with key bioactive elements to strengthen the relationship between your plant's root system and its new subterranean home. All prices include free UK Delivery as standard. 🪴
This potting mix is suitable for ALL houseplants, including...
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Don't know the size of your new pot yet? Simply measure the pot's top diameter to find the perfect amount of compost you'll need for repotting.
| Size (Litres) | Ideal for... |
| 1L | 13cm pots or smaller |
| 5L | 14cm - 20cm pots |
| 10L | 21cm - 28cm pots |
| 15L | 29cm - 35cm pots |
| 25L | 36cm pots or larger, or for multiple repottings! |
Is Repotting Important for Saving a Houseplant with Root Rot
Absolutely. Physically repotting your plant will allow you to see its rootball and make the decision whether it has root rot or not. Giving your houseplant a fresh potting mix will help the roots grow in a more aerated environment with better, controlled access to the water for recovery.
What Does 'Bioactive Mean'?
Selecting the bio-active selection incorporates both Worm Castings and Biochar, which both will help with the overall health of your new potting mix. The soil will promote a better relationship with the root system, which in turn will aid the plant’s wellbeing, photosynthesis and ability to deal with pests/diseases like root rot!
Can I Repot My Root Rotted Houseplant in the Autumn or Winter?
Yes! It doesn't matter whether you repot an unwell houseplant in summer or winter; time is not on our side when it begins to struggle with root rot, so don't panic about repotting in the height of winter.
How Should I Save My Houseplant From Root Rot?
Yes! So, it's advised to repot your plant as soon as symptoms of root rot arises. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing leaves, browned new leaves that don't emerge successfully, and potential soil mould. Houseplants grown more than 3m from a window are most likely to develop root rot, which can have symptoms of sudden leaf-loss, too. We recommend to take the plant from the pot and scan the outer edge of the potting mix. Root rot will look like brown, flat/deflated and can easily be pulled off from the soil (with little difficulty). There could be a slight 'earthy' smell to the soil, too. Healthy roots will be cream, light-brown or red in colour and shouldn't be able to easily be pulled off from the soil when pinched. Follow the next steps to repotting your root rotted houseplant with one of the options;
Option 1: If more less than 20% of the roots have rotten, remove the dead roots with scissors and replant it back into its original pot, using fresh new this compost.
Option 2: If roughly between 20% - 80% of the roots have rotten, We recommend removing the dead roots and repot into a smaller pot. One that is around 3-5cm smaller in diameter is best, along with using this potting mix.
Option 3: If more than 80% of the roots have rotten, it's recommended to take stem cuttings and root them in either water or soil to 'restart' the root system.
Should I Water My Houseplant Before or After Repotting?
Even though the plant has issues of root rot, we always recommend watering your houseplant around 12 hours before transplantation to ensure it's hydrated and strong enough for its repot. If you forget to water beforehand, it's not the end of the world as long as you're very gentle with the root system. It's also advised to wait two days before giving the plant another water again, just so it gives enough time for your plant to settle into its new home.
Should I Trim Off The Dead Roots?
Yes! We recommend pruning any dead, deflated or flat roots from the soil using a clean pair of scissors. Make sure that you leave any healthy roots alone, as these will power the plant's recovery. If the healthy roots are holding on to soil fragments, don't pull them off as it can cause further stress to the plant.
How to Store This Potting Mix
It's best to keep the lid of the potting mix slightly ajar by around 20% to help it have aeration while in storage. The best place to store the potting mix is in a cool, dark shelf or cabinet until you need it next.
What Should I Do If My Root Rotted Houseplant Doesn't Improve After Repotting?
It'll take some time for the plant to look better. Curling or yellowed leaves may always remain like this, so it's important to look at the tips of the stems for signs of new growth. For some houseplants like Prayer Plants, Dracaena (Dragon Trees) & Bird of Paradise, the new growth may emerge at the plant's base from the soil (& not from the stem's tip). If, however, your plant doesn't show signs of improvement after six months, we recommend taking stem cuttings to restart a new root system from scratch. You can perform these stem cuttings using the same information found online or in books, even though the plant has struggled with root rot. We recommend having a look at ukhouseplants . com for the best indoor plant care on the internet.
If you need any help at all, please feel free to reach out via the 'Contact Me!' section of this website. Our professional houseplant advisor will directly respond to your questions quickly so you feel 100% confident about the next steps with your plant - regardless if they're healthy or need a helping-hand! That's the ukhouseplants difference. 🪴
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Repotting root-rotted plants requires using a professional, pest-free, anti–fungus-gnat potting mix that prevents excess moisture, improves aeration, and stops further decay, with guidance on how to repot root-rotted plants, when to repot, how often to repot, trimming dying roots, washing away infected soil, improving drainage, avoiding overwatering, preventing gnat infestations, spotting early root rot symptoms such as yellowing leaves, curling leaves, black or mushy roots, foul-smelling soil, wilting despite moisture, stunted growth, and stabilising plants after treatment, with top houseplants prone to root rot including Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Philodendron hederaceum, Philodendron birkin, Philodendron xanadu, Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), Snake Plant (Sansevieria), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), Dracaena fragrans, Dracaena marginata, Dracaena compacta, Calathea orbifolia, Calathea triostar, Maranta leuconeura, Dieffenbachia seguine, Aglaonema commutatum, Anthurium andraeanum, Alocasia amazonica, Alocasia zebrina, Colocasia esculenta, Syngonium podophyllum, Schefflera arboricola, Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), Aloe vera, Haworthia cooperi, Hoya carnosa, Hoya kerrii, Tradescantia zebrina, Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Aspidistra elatior, Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), Bird’s-Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus), Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum), Orchids (Phalaenopsis), Bromeliads, Chinese Evergreen, Begonia rex, Pilea peperomioides, Kentia Palm, Areca Palm, Parlour Palm, Ponytail Palm, Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea), Coffee Plant, and Indoor Citrus, with this well-draining, pest-free repotting mix helping prevent leaf loss, future-proof the plant, restore healthy roots, and stop root rot from recurring.