Bonsai Root Rot

Fast draining nurturing.
Bonsai root rot. Above the ground symptoms will be discolouration of the leaves weak branches that may break off and stunted growth. Improper drainage can cause roots to turn brown and mushy. Affected roots must be pruned away and the bonsai transplanted into fresh soil. It might sound strange but you can usually detect root rot with your nose.
Root rot is a generic term often used in bonsai to describe roots that are found to have died and rotted. If soil conditions improve for affected trees as a result of repotting or better watering habits many trees can beat the fungus on their own. It will not damage roots on cactus and succulents. Bonsai should be root pruned and repotted when it shows symptoms of decline and or chlorosis as described above or when it begins to push out of the pot.
You can usually do this through the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot. Root rot is most likely to be a problem when bonsai are over watered when they haven t been repotted in a long time or when they are growing in soil that retains too much water. Root rot caused by pathogenic fungi or bacteria. Non pathogenic fungi and rot do not affect live wood or tissues and are not harmful to the health of a bonsai.
Over watering and lack of proper drainage can cause the bonsai tree s roots to rot turning them brown and soft. The pathogenic fungi and bacteria that can affect trees and bonsai include. Dead roots and root rot in bonsai page 1 of 2. See if you detect a rotting sour or sweet smell.
Leaves will also become discolored branches may weaken and break off and growth will be stunted. Our succulent potting soil helps prevent root rot and overwatering. Some species are simply just slow growing and will require root pruning.