They have become some of the most popular houseplants because of their stunning white flowers and splendid green foliage. However, they are not free from problems, the most common one being root rot and this can pose a great risk to their life and beauty. One of the most successful treatments that has won the favor of every plant lover is the application of hydrogen peroxide. In this article, we shall discuss “Peace Lily Root Rot Hydrogen Peroxide: how to spotting root rot early, using hydrogen peroxide effectively, and saving your plant!”

Definition of Root Rot in Peace Lilies

Root rotting is a disease that occurs when a plant has its root systems injured and corrupts more often obnoxious root rot because of water logging or a wet potting medium not getting adequate ventilation. It leads to yellowing of the leaves, stops the growth of the plant and may culminate in death of the peace lily if timely remedies are not administered.

Symptoms of Root Rot

It is essential to address the rot before it makes the peace lily susceptible to other diseases. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Yellow Leaves: If your peace lily leaves start turning yellow and then droop, it is possibly due to root rot.
• Wilting: Though water is provided on a regular basis, the plant may seem dull and unhealthy.
• Mushy Roots: If you take the plant out of the pot and see that the roots are color dark and mushy, or have a bad smell, it means the plant has a problem with root rot.
• Foul Odor: A smell of rot from the soil is mostly an indication that the roots are rotting away.

Causes of Root Rot

Knowing what causes root rot can be useful if you wish to avoid it. Here are some common causes:

• Overwatering: This is the number one reason root rot occurs. Peace lilies thrive when the soil is moist but too much water will suffocate the roots.
• Poor Drainage: Use of pots that do not have drainage holes and heavy soil that holds moisture can also be part of the problem.
• Low Light Conditions: Peace lilies will survive in shade but constant low light conditions will lead to stunted growth and problems with the roots.
• Infectious Pathogens: These types of pathogens exist in number when the environment is conducive which is too wet causing infections leading to root rot.

Role of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Treatment of Root Rot

H2O2 which is more commonly known as hydrogen peroxide is an active compound that is seen in most homes. The molecular formula for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2, housing an extra oxygen molecule makes hydrogen peroxide a powerful oxidizer with both germicidal and fungicidal characteristics. Applying hydrogen peroxide for peace lily root rot aids in getting rid of dangerous pathogens allowing improvement of the root system.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Here’s a sequence of actions performed to treat root rot of peace lily and here hydrogen peroxide will be the curing agent:

• Prepare a Solution: Combine 1 part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts of water. This will be an acceptable dilution for your plant yet destroys most pathogens.
• Inspect the Roots: Carefully take out your peace lily off the pot without breaking the root. Take out the soil when necessary and check the roots if they’ve rotted.
• Trim Damaged Roots: Remove from your plant dark, soft and macerated roots while using suitable, sanitized scalpel or scissors also rinsed well and with quick moves make cuts. Be attentive when making each cut, so as not to touch healthy tissues with the tool in contact with any infected surfaces.
• Soak the Roots: Then place the normal looking roots in the hydrogen peroxide solution for 10 up to 15 minutes. This then will further cleanse the roots preventing any possible contamination from the bacteria and fungi.
• Transplantation: After soaking, leave the roots for a few minutes to dry out, after which you may proceed to transplant the peace lily in fertile, porous, and well-draining soil. Further, ensure the pot you choose does have holes in the bottom to reduce chances of overwatering the plant in the future.
• Modify Watering Schedule: For example after repotting, let the soil dry out a little before watering again. It is critical to place the plant in bright conditions but avoid direct fan blowing or sunshine which might stress the plant.

Further Preventative Measures

When root infusion has been dealt with, it is also very important to take the necessary measures to ensure that such situations do not develop again. The following are some recommended procedures to maintain the peace lily plant in good conditions.

• Water It Correctly: You should water the plant only after the top inch of the soil mixture is dry. This may help in achieving an optimum moisture level.
• Utilize Good Soil: It is important to choose a potting soil that has better drainage through the use of a perlite or orchid bark.
• Control Exposure to Sunlight: It is essential to ensure that your peace lily is placed in a location where there is indirect sun. If you find that the leaves of the peace lily are turning yellow or wilting, change the position of the fislily.
• Feed It Judiciously: Growth of the plant should be reasonable to a month where you apply mild balanced fertilizer once a month. No fertilizer is put on an already stressed out plant since that would just aggravate the situation.

Conclusion

It’s true, peace lily root rot can really be a threat to any plant owner, although this condition is treatable with proper knowledge and treatment methods. Of the available treatments for root rot, hydrogen peroxide also comes highly recommended as it serves the purpose of disinfecting and oxygenating plant roots that are healthy. As long as a peace lily grows, it is and will be peaceful for many more years to come. You should protect your plant and it will take care of you with splendid blossoms and greenery.