Chicken and chick rot, or root rot, is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage resulting in damaged roots.
It can also be caused by a fungal problem that can eat away at the roots, but more often than not it is due to the water damage itself.
So if you suspect your hens and chicks are rotting, here are some signs to look out for and what you can do to save your hens and chicks.
Signs of root rot.
Unfortunately, your hens and chicks with root rot can start rotting without you knowing it because the roots are hidden underground at all times.
It is very easy to forget the roots or not look at them at all.
So, that being said, you will have to rely primarily on signs and symptoms to tell if your plant is rotting.
Some of the warning signs of root rot can include the following.
- Bad smell emanating from the plant.
- The leaves are withered or withered
- yellow leaves
- The leaves have turned black or soft.
- the leaves fall
- The water does not come out like before
- General growth retardation
While some of these symptoms can mean other things, it’s always a good idea to look at the roots if you find any of these symptoms to be sure.
It’s always best to deal with rot in its early stages because the sooner you deal with it, the more likely it is to save your succulent.
Causes of root rot
There are 2 main causes of chicken and chicken rot, both of which can happen accidentally but can be easily avoided in the future.
excess water
Overwatering is not only the main cause of rot in hens and chicks, but also in succulents and other plants in general.
Root rot is caused by standing water depriving the roots of oxygen, damaging them and making them unable to provide water and nutrients to the plant.
Eventually the damage will become severe and the roots will become soft or limp, darken, smell funny and crumble easily.
When watering chickens and chicks, you must ensure that the soil is completely dry before watering each time to avoid accidental overwatering.
The best way to tell when it’s time to water is to feel the soil a few inches deep.
When completely dry, it can be watered.
Watering before it dries out greatly increases the chance of root rot.
Succulent hens and chicks do not like standing water or wet feet.
poor drainage
The other main cause of rotting chickens and chicks is poor drainage due to excess water.
If your soil doesn’t drain well, the water has nowhere to go.
So you can water sparingly, but the roots can still be damaged if the water can’t drain quickly enough and the roots are constantly wet.
That’s why it’s very important to use well-drained soil when growing hens and chicks, house leeks, sempervivum or whatever you call it.
They need well-drained soil not only to thrive, but also to survive.
If you’re not sure what type of potting soil to use, there are many succulent and cactus potting mixes that work well for hens and chicks.
Also, if you are growing in containers or pots, it is a good idea to have a drainage hole in the bottom.
You can also add things like perlite to the soil to further improve drainage.
Just do what is necessary to ensure good drainage, as this is very important to avoid overwatering and root rot.
How to save your hens and chicks
As mentioned above, the sooner you catch root rot, the more likely you are to limit the damage or save your plant.
Unfortunately, if the rot has progressed too far it may not be possible to save your plant and it is best to propagate your hens and chicks from healthy parts of the plant.
However, it is worth a try, as it is still quite possible to prevent hens and chicks from rotting if proper measures are taken.
Here are the steps needed to give you the best chance of saving.
Step 1
Remove the plant from the soil and the container, give yourself some space to work with, and have garden shears or sterile pruners ready.
2nd step
Prune or cut off all the rotten parts of your hens and chicks, be it roots, leaves or probably a combination.
Cut up any carrots that are dark, soft, or fall apart easily, as these carrots are cooked.
Keep as many white, firm roots as possible, they are still healthy and good to use.
Cut off any rotten leaves or any parts of the plant that are also dark or soft.
Step 3
Clean the remaining roots by rinsing well under water and remove the encrusted soil by rinsing or using a toothpick to remove the soil from the roots.
You don’t want the old soil to go with your plant, so try to make sure it’s completely gone.
Step 4
Prepare a new container with fresh soil that drains well and moistens the soil.
Make sure the container is the right size and only one pot size larger than the pot previously used, as too large a container will cause drainage problems.
step 5
Plant your chickens and chicks in the new soil, then fill the plant with soil all over.
Be careful not to overfill the soil to let the roots breathe.
That’s all there is!
Prevention
Prevention really is the best way to fight rot, because you don’t have to deal with it in the first place!
Although you’re probably already struggling with root rot, here are some helpful tips you can use to prevent root rot in the future.
- Water only when the soil is dry.
- Use well-drained soil
- Use a drainage hole when growing in containers
- Check the roots when there are usual signs
final thoughts
You now have a pretty good idea of whether your hens and chicks are rotting or not.
By following the steps above, you’ll have every chance of keeping your hens and chicks juicy!
Just manage your expectations and do your best.
As always, have fun, happy gardening, and enjoy the process!