In this 6th video of the Root Rot series, we check in with the rubber tree, Henry, who survived a bad case of root rot. He’s alive and well, and has grown about a foot since the last video. Find out how well he is doing, and what you can expect after you save a plant with root rot.
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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, we are checking in with Henry, who is part of our root rot series. I have a playlist for the series, and the link is below. It’s been a few months since we last checked in with him. As a matter of fact, since we last checked in, he’s grown about a foot! He’s doing really well, as you can see—growing up nice and tall, nice and strong.
You’ll notice that the lower leaves are curled a bit. Those were the leaves that were curled when he was saved from root rot. The leaves that were injured during root rot, especially in plants like this rubber tree, will look the same way they did when he was saved. Some plants will shed damaged leaves and grow new ones in the recovery process, but this is a ficus species, and it tends to hold on to its leaves for a long time. The top leaves, however, are not as rounded as the lower ones. It doesn’t really affect how the plant looks, but I wanted to point this out in case anyone wonders if the leaves will change after recovery. I’ve had people ask that question, so now you know!
Basically, what happened is we stopped the plant from dying of root rot and got it to grow again. He’s a nice, healthy plant now, but there are still a few lingering signs of past damage, like the curled leaves. Henry is still in the same pot that I put him in a couple of videos ago. The outer pot below is just a decorative one, with the plant still inside another pot. In spring, I’ll be repotting him into a larger container. Since we’re moving into November, and considering his history with root rot, I recommend waiting until around mid- to late March for repotting unless the plant truly needs it before then.
So, for now, Henry will stay in his pot, looking happy and continuing to grow. By spring, he’ll probably be close to another foot taller—or at least half that. About a month ago, I gave him a feeding with my green gourmet houseplant food, and I’ll be doing another feeding before winter arrives. In March, when I repot him, I’ll fertilize the soil, and of course, I’ll keep giving him good light and proper watering, which was the issue that led to root rot in the first place. Henry was a rescue from someone who had been overwatering him severely.
That’s the latest update on Henry! Please check back when it’s time for his repotting in a few months. Let me know if you have any questions about houseplants, root rot, or anything plant-related in the comments below. Thank you for stopping by today! Please feel free to leave comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified of new videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is root rot, and how does it affect houseplants?
Root rot is a condition caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decaying roots. It can stunt plant growth and may even kill the plant if untreated.
Why are Henry’s lower leaves curled?
The lower leaves on Henry’s rubber tree curled due to damage from root rot. This particular species, a ficus, tends to hold onto its leaves, so the curled leaves will remain even as the plant recovers.
Will a rubber tree’s leaves change after recovering from root rot?
No, in ficus species like Henry’s rubber tree, damaged leaves remain the same even after recovery. New, healthy leaves will grow from the top of the plant.
When should I repot a plant that has recovered from root rot?
It’s best to repot a plant like Henry’s in early spring (March) once it’s fully stabilized and showing growth. Repotting too soon can disrupt the plant’s recovery.
How should I care for a rubber tree recovering from root rot?
Continue to provide proper watering, bright light, and periodic fertilizing. Avoid overwatering, which was the initial cause of root rot in Henry’s case.
What is the best fertilizer for a recovering plant?
A balanced, gentle fertilizer like the green gourmet houseplant food works well. Apply it sparingly, especially before winter, to support healthy growth.
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