Preventing root rot in hydroponics

Old Planty shows us how the root rot looks like in a plant in hydroponics. Root rot can happen even to soil cultures, but it’s easier to happen in hydroponics where roots stay in water.

Signs and Diagnosis of root rot in hydroponics

The first signs show on the visible plant, the leafs start looking like they are not getting enough water. Wilting, yellowing, or drooping leaves might be also signs of root rot, but because they might be signs of other deficiencies it’s a bit hard to diagnose.

Probably the most obvious sign of root rot is the mushy texture of roots – they are brown and start to smell funny. The plant is dying because the remaining healthy roots can not supply enough nutrients and water to the plant. To confirm root rot, you should inspect roots regularly and smell them for decay.

Causes of Root Rot in hydroponic

Root rot in hydroponic can happen from multiple reasons, but the most common ones are mold and pathogens such as Pythium and Phytophthora or other bacteria.

Unlike growing in soil, hydroponics are more prone to root rot, especially in deep water cultures, because of stagnant water, poor water quality, or lack of proper maintenance. Kratky method, the most common deep water culture used by hobbyist is especially prone to root rot because of the lack of aeration and water movement.

How to prevent root rot in hydroponics

To prevent root rotting in hydroponics you basically have to produce the conditions to stop the growth of unwanted bacteria:

• change the water and trim the dead roots
• prevent the lack of oxygen by adding aeration (a simple aquarium pump and aeration stone might do the trick
• decrease the water temperature by placing the hydroponic plant in a cooler place
• sterilize the container (with Hydrogen peroxide or any other hydroponic sterilization solutions) as described by old planty here https://youtu.be/Vp7uMGk6BtU?t=228
• add beneficial bacteria to your nutrient solution (bacteria Bacillus genus)
• make sure your container prevents light leaks

Thank you Old Planty for the informative video!

Recovery Tips for Affected Plants

Depending on how bad the root rot is you should either eliminate the bad plants from the system and keep the surviving ones or try to recover what can be recovered.

The first thing to do when dealing with root rot in hydroponics is to trim the bad roots. Cutting the roots will allow new roots to form and might help prevent the spread of root rot to other plants.

The second best thing to do is to change the hydroponic solution. New solution means better feeding and cleaner.

You should try to decrease the water lever (less water means more air), decrease the temperature of the water (you could either place the plants in the shade, either cover the reservoir with aluminum foil).

You can as well increase aeration with an air stone in the reservoir.