I was reporting this one I got as a gift several years ago, but it has a soft spot and some fuzz on part of it. Any advice on how to rescue this plant?
That could be root mealies not mold. I’m not super familiar with them so maybe someone else can chime in
ToadlyCool
if the caudex is mushy and easily sloughs away when pushed/lightly scratched with finger nail I’d say she’s a goner. Press it all around and see how it feels. If it’s just really soft and still has a bit of texture to it (rather than mush) then you might stand a chance at saving it. Trim off all the the roots. All of the roots are dead so the plant has essentially dehydrated and shrivelled (though rot can add to this). Clean the surface (especially that root zone) with a toothbrush and some 3% peroxide or some weak bleach solution (5-10%) or failing that 50/50 water/rubbing alcohol. Wash with water. Pay particular attention to the ‘mould’. If you haven’t uncovered any mushy rot by this point, then place the caudex in a small cup of water. It might be able to take up some water within 24-48hrs if it is still alive and just dehydrated – the caudex will become firm if this is the case. Dry it once you remove it from the water. Then place in a warm spot on top of some damp but not too wet sphagnum (well squeezed out) and in 80-100% humidity (i.e. a closed container with a few vent holes). Aim for high humidity rather than moist substrate. Pray to the rooting gods and wait a good 3+ months for signs of rooting at the base of the caudex.
2 Comments
That could be root mealies not mold. I’m not super familiar with them so maybe someone else can chime in
if the caudex is mushy and easily sloughs away when pushed/lightly scratched with finger nail I’d say she’s a goner. Press it all around and see how it feels. If it’s just really soft and still has a bit of texture to it (rather than mush) then you might stand a chance at saving it. Trim off all the the roots. All of the roots are dead so the plant has essentially dehydrated and shrivelled (though rot can add to this). Clean the surface (especially that root zone) with a toothbrush and some 3% peroxide or some weak bleach solution (5-10%) or failing that 50/50 water/rubbing alcohol. Wash with water. Pay particular attention to the ‘mould’. If you haven’t uncovered any mushy rot by this point, then place the caudex in a small cup of water. It might be able to take up some water within 24-48hrs if it is still alive and just dehydrated – the caudex will become firm if this is the case. Dry it once you remove it from the water. Then place in a warm spot on top of some damp but not too wet sphagnum (well squeezed out) and in 80-100% humidity (i.e. a closed container with a few vent holes). Aim for high humidity rather than moist substrate. Pray to the rooting gods and wait a good 3+ months for signs of rooting at the base of the caudex.