This video discusses crown rot, which is when the base of a plant dies back. When a plant gets crown rot, it’s very hard to save it. Find out the symptoms of crown rot and what to do to avoid crown rot from happening in the first place. Learn what growing conditions that can lead to crown rot.
#healthyhouseplants #crownrot #africanviolets #plantcare #gardeningtips
Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors! If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, I’m going to talk to you about crown rot. This condition is caused by the same fungal pathogens as root rot. I have a whole series on root rot, and I’ll put the playlist link below for you.
Crown rot is just as deadly as root rot. It affects the crown of the plant, which is the central part where all the new growth comes from. For example, I have an African violet that I will be reviving today. While it doesn’t have crown rot yet, it is on its way to developing it.
You can identify crown rot by feeling the crown, which is the part right above the soil line. If it feels squishy, that’s an indication you have crown rot. Dark and mushy areas in the center of the plant are signs of this condition. Dying or mushy leaves, especially if there is a lot of black mush in the center of the plant, indicate crown rot.
As I mentioned, crown rot is caused by fungal pathogens like Phytophthora, which can destroy roots in the case of root rot and the crown of the plant in crown rot. African violets are particularly susceptible to this condition, so it’s essential to keep an eye on them.
To prevent crown rot, avoid overwatering and ensure the plant is not in too big of a pot. This specific African violet was given to me for revival after it was overwatered and placed in a pot that was too large—this is very common. Growers often sell plants in larger pots, but this can lead to excess wet soil, which promotes crown rot.
Once crown rot is established, it can be very difficult to treat. You can try methods similar to those for root rot, but if the inner part of the crown is squishy, it’s likely too late. In that case, you should dispose of the entire plant, including the pot, unless it’s a nice glazed ceramic pot that you want to keep. If it’s plastic, just throw it away and ensure you don’t spread the infected soil to any other plants.
To prevent crown rot, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. While African violets like to remain slightly moist, overwatering should be avoided. Always use the correct size pot; this African violet will be going into a much smaller pot during the revival process.
A good potting ratio is about two-thirds plant to one-third pot. Similarly, for repotting, aim for a two-thirds roots to one-third soil ratio. Having the right size pot, not overwatering, and providing sufficient lighting are key factors. Insufficient light prevents plants from cycling through water effectively, leading to wet soil and potential crown rot.
Air circulation is also important. Avoid planting too deeply; plants planted too deep usually succumb to root rot. If a plant is too deep in the pot, it can trap moisture, leading to a perfect environment for pathogens like Phytophthora to thrive and damage the crown.
To ensure good air circulation, leave a lip of about an eighth to a quarter of an inch around the top of the pot. This allows for proper air flow and prevents soil from spilling over the top when watering.
That gives you a good overview of crown rot. It’s something you definitely want to avoid in your plants, so keep these tips in mind to prevent it in the future.
Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and hit the bell icon if you’d like to be notified when we release new content.
FAQs About Crown Rot
What is crown rot?
Crown rot is a deadly condition caused by fungal pathogens like *Phytophthora*, affecting the crown of the plant where new growth occurs.
What are the symptoms of crown rot?
Symptoms include a squishy crown above the soil line, dark and mushy areas in the center of the plant, and dying or mushy leaves.
How can I prevent crown rot in my plants?
To prevent crown rot, avoid overwatering, ensure proper pot size, provide sufficient lighting, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
What should I do if my plant has crown rot?
If crown rot is established, it can be difficult to treat. It’s best to dispose of the infected plant and pot to prevent spreading the disease.
What type of plants are susceptible to crown rot?
African violets are particularly susceptible to crown rot, so they require careful attention to watering and pot size.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Full-spectrum Light Bulb-Large: https://amzn.to/3yR6VBu
Full-spectrum Lighting: https://amzn.to/3qhhaiv
Moisture meter: https://amzn.to/3TEUu5N
Hygrometer to measure humidity: https://amzn.to/3Cf6h2F
Espoma Organic liquid Fertilizer: https://amzn.to/45yfwsY
My Organic Green Gourmet Houseplant Fertilizer: https://healthyhouseplants.storenvy.com
Share to Social Media.