Have you seen leftover water at the base of the orchid plant? Crown rot occurs when water stays on the crown of the plant. This usually happens to many types of plants, especially to Orchids, if not treated immediately. This type of rotting can spread out quickly to other parts of the plant. This kind of disease in Orchids may not be noticed until it becomes serious.
The first sign of crown rotting is discoloration and mushy leaves at the base of the plant. If not treated right away, the leaves will turn into yellow and later on it becomes brown and withered. To help you identify crown rotting, learn more about crown rot first.
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What Is Crown Rotting?
Crown rot is one of the common ailments of Orchids. It is usually identified by those droopy leaves and plant base turning into yellow, or worst, to black. The main cause of crown rot is the soil-borne fungus that loves wetness and moisture sitting on plants. Once the fungal disease occurs, you can really do nothing to stop it from spreading.
Some Orchids are monopodial, and they are the type that is most susceptible to crown rot. It spreads quickly that you will notice the damage when it is already serious. A closer look of the Orchid will reveal necrotic and infected part.
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What are the Signs?
Most of the significant signs of crown rotting are unnoticed. At first, the rotting appears only on one side of the leaf or stem. Then, it spreads to the other side and to the entire plant eventually. Once you notice the leaves turning into yellow that only means the disease has spread even more. Sooner, the leaves will dry and wilt quickly, and then it will turn into brown or black. As the fungal infection that caused crown rot spread, the plant will die.
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How to Stop It?
It can be difficult to stop the crown rot and treat the disease. Much more if the signs go unnoticed. When this happens, only a little to save it is what you can do. This is why it is important to prevent the disease before it affects and infects the whole plant. The general rule of the thumb is prevention because prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The first thing to do to prevent the disease is to keep water out of the plant’s pot or plant base. Too much water sitting on the plant will result in many plant problems and diseases. When you water the plant, make sure that the water drains well. Always do the watering early in the morning and let the plant dry completely so that no water will be left. Try to avoid pooling of water at the base of the plant and pour any excess water. If you are using a tray or saucer under the container, make sure that it is always empty of water. If you are using a potting mix that does not drain well, replace it with a well-draining potting medium. If possible, let your plant hang on air to enhance the aeration. This is the right way to stop an infection from hurting the plant.
In case the disease has already started, you can still do something to prevent it from spreading. First is to isolate the plant to a place far from the other plants. The infection that caused the crown rot may also affect all the other plants eventually.
For the treatment of this disease, you can simply pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide on the affected area. This treatment will clean the plant from infection. You will see it bubbles up as part of the process. This procedure can be done at least twice or thrice a week depending on the extent of the infection. When you notice that the hydrogen peroxide does not bubble anymore, you may stop the treatment. Another way to treat an Orchid from crown rotting is to sprinkle the affected part with the cinnamon ground. Cinnamon is proven to be effective as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral remedy.
There are many ways to maintain the Orchid plants and keep it healthy. The right temperature and humidity level, and the balanced formula of plant food or fertilizer given regularly will help the plants to be more durable and stronger. Indirect and bright light will also keep the plant dry, preventing the pooling of water at the base, pot, and saucer.
A constant but gentle air movement is also very essential in keeping your orchid plants healthy and protected from diseases. Good aeration will also ensure that water will not sit in the plant for a long while. Take the extra time to inspect your orchid plants to see if there is something that needs attention. A small change in the roots could be a sign that the plant is at the early stage of infection.
It can be very frustrating to see your Orchids suffering from crown rot and from any other kinds of diseases. The saddest part is that, when the rot or the disease has advanced, your orchid plant may no longer be saved or treated to heal. On the other hand, crown rot, as well as all infections, can be 100% prevented. It is safe to know how to prevent these diseases and what first aid treatment or remedy you can best give your orchid plants once the plant is affected.
