Root rot is often described and discussed in terms of disease, but many experts note that the underlying issue is root suffocation caused by overly wet or dense soil.
In the case of Adenium and other succulent roots, root rot is not a misnomer. It is a real possibility and a likely outcome of overwatering.
Root rot is an actual disease that spreads and can be stopped by surgery.
Removing dead roots has no effect one way or the other.
The best cure for root suffocation is prevention and subsequent drying out.
Sometimes, plants don't show significant symptoms until the roots are already seriously compromised.
When the plant is discolored, soft, and spreads, it's some kind of rot.
The only possible cure is to allow the soil to dry out sufficiently for oxygen to penetrate around the roots regularly.
In most instances, it is really the suffocation of roots because the surrounding soil is so dense or so saturated that there is no oxygen available to the roots.
There is no specific disease called "root rot." However, most so-called root rot for indoor potted plants is a result of soil being kept too moist and suffocating the roots by depriving them of moisture.
Fungal and bacterial infections are relatively uncommon for plants that kept indoors. Outdoors is a different matter.
Overwatering deprives roots of essential oxygen because the pores in the soil are constantly filled with water.
Fast draining soil or media is a key adaptation for growing Adenium and other succulents which enjoy a lot of water during their active season of growth.
Sprinkle the cuts with cinnamon to help prevent further root rot (after you cut off the rotten roots).
The sulfur and cinnamon would help keep rot from reappearing in the healthy part after resection.
Like Sulfur, Cinnamon is a natural fungicide and smells so much better.
You pruned your adenium desert rose and cut off long stems and applied cinnamon to the cut part. How long do you leave cinnamon on for?
You can just leave the cinnamon on and it will eventually be washed out when you water your desert rose or the rain will wash it away.
Spy, you can leave your plant out of the soil for a week or so to heal if you leave it in bright shade (no direct sun) with good air flow.
When you pot it up, wait a week or so to water.
Be extra careful not to overwater during the late fall and winter when the plant is dormant or nearly so.
Do you have any experience with Adeniums, Will?
Name: Will CreedNYCProf.
There should be general information on treating diseases, etc. Just click onto the Succulent & Caudiciform Culture Guide. There is also the Photo Gallery in this forum that will have information (web-links) specific to Adenium.
Right now mine are "naked" of leaves. You can just remove the leaves with the black spots instead of treating it with a fungicide.
I pruned my adenium desert rose and cut off long stems and applied cinnamon to the cut part. How long do I leave cinnamon on for?
How long has it been since you pruned?
The cinnamon is a mild antibacterial treatment that also "sops-up" the adenium sap and helps the plant heal by drying out, while the cuts callus or harden over, once callused, will seal out harmful bacteria and water.
I pruned my adenium desert rose and cut off long stems and applied cinnamon to the cut part. How long do I leave cinnamon on for?
You can just leave the cinnamon on and it will eventually be washed out when you water your desert rose or the rain will wash it away.
In the Caudiciform & Pachycaul Tree forum there are culture guides that should help with general information on treating diseases.
There should be information on how to prevent rot in the future and how to adjust care to minimize moisture stress for Adenium.
Be careful not to overwater during dormancy and ensure the soil drains well.
If overwatering is the cause, then fungicides will not help; the best cure for root suffocation is prevention and drying out.
When you pot up a recovered plant, give it time to adjust, and monitor soil moisture carefully to prevent recurrence of rot.
Young Adenium with small caudexes will tend to soften during the dormant period, and dormancy is a natural part of their cycle.
As a general rule, Adenium will tend to look a little "sad" during this time, and you should not force growth with excess water.
Right before replanting, assess soil texture and drainage to ensure air can reach the roots after rewatering.
In summary, cinnamon and sulfur can be used as part of a post-cut healing routine, but they are not cures for root rot and should be employed with realistic expectations and proper watering practices.
Practical care steps for Desert Rose and root rot prevention
- Use a fast-draining, coarse mix to maximize aeration around roots.
- Avoid overwatering, especially during late fall and winter dormancy.
- Remove clearly rotten roots and discolored tissue to slow the spread of rot.
- Allow the plant to dry out between waterings and provide good air circulation.
- Apply cinnamon to cut areas after pruning to aid healing and reduce regrowth of rot.
- Monitor moisture levels and adjust watering frequency based on season and plant activity.
- Place the plant in bright indirect light during recovery and avoid direct sun while healing.
- When re potting, wait a week or so before the first watering to allow the roots to reestablish.
Desert rose care emphasizes prevention: the goal is to minimize root moisture stress and ensure oxygen reaches the root zone.
