Are homemade remedies effective for root rot?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Home remedies are often a low-cost first-line defense against root rot with varying effectiveness. I have tried dozens of remedies in my nursery. In the case of mild root rot, they can be effective. Cinnamon powder and hydrogen peroxide are effective for mild cases. Still, a severe infestation will likely require a commercially available chemical fungicide. In these instances, knowing what remedy is appropriate for your situation can save you wasted time and plant failures.
Cinnamon Application
- Sprinkle powdered cinnamon directly on cut roots before repotting. This natural fungicide creates a protective barrier. I use 1 tablespoon per cup of soil mix. Reapply monthly during recovery. It works best for minor infections without systemic damage.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mix
- Combine 1 part 3% peroxide with 4 parts water for root soak or soil drench. Apply every 7 days for 3 weeks maximum. I add this to watering cans for ongoing protection. Bubbling action oxygenates roots while killing surface fungi.
Chamomile Tea Soak
- Brew strong chamomile tea using 4 tea bags per cup of water. Cool completely before soaking roots for 20 minutes. I use this gentle antifungal weekly on seedlings. It prevents fungal growth without chemical residues.
Home remedies are most effective when the infection is recognized early and the damage is not progressive. It is used in conjunction with many cultural methods (such as improved drainage). If the plants are drooping or stinking, the commercially available products are needed. Their deeper penetration will prevent more aggressive pathogens that homemade remedies miss from occurring.
Safety concerns should be noted with all treatments. When handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide, always wear gloves to protect your hands. Cinnamon powder should be handled with caution; it should not be allowed to get into your eyes. I store homemade solutions in labeled containers out of the reach of children. Contrary to commercial products, which need to be taken carefully, measured, and worn with adequate protective equipment.
It's essential to monitor the results after application closely. Effective treatments demonstrate firm roots and thicken within 7 days, and new growth appears within 2-3 weeks. If it is clear that the conditions worsened after 10 days, then switch to a stronger option. My method requires evaluating each over every 5 days while on recovery.
Prevention is better than a cure. I use cinnamon sprinkled on the soil surface once a month as a preventative measure against fungal growth. Chamomile tea is a gentle watering option for high-risk plants. This helps create an inhospitable environment for pathogens, which lessens the need for treatments later.
Read the full article: How to Treat Root Rot: A Complete Guide
