Hey everyone! I've had my Monstera for a while and recently repotted it into an aeroid mix, thinking it would be a better choice compared to the regular potting soil I was using. However, it seems like this change backfired a bit. When I checked the roots last night, I found a few mushy ones. I think I removed all the bad ones, but my eyesight isn't great even with glasses, so I'm not sure. The mix I used consisted of equal parts chunky pumice, Coco chips, Orchiata bark, and Perlite. When I emptied the pot, I noticed that the bottom soil was damp and stuck to the pot, but only the last inch or so seemed overly wet. My pot is 20x19cm in size. Is there something wrong with the mix I used? Should I try something different? Also, should I soak the roots in a hydrogen peroxide solution? If yes, what dilution and for how long?
2 Answers
I agree with plantlover99—your mix seems fine! If you suspect rot, try soaking the roots in a hydrogen peroxide mixture. A good ratio is about 1 part H2O2 to 10 parts water, and soaking for around 30 minutes should help. Just make sure to give the roots a good rinse afterward to remove any residual peroxide.
It sounds like your mix might not be the issue since it's generally good for airflow. The root rot could have developed during your previous mix with more coco coir. To prevent rot now, make sure your pot has good drainage, and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. Sometimes, there’s not much you can do once rot sets in, but keeping the moisture levels right can help avoid further issues.