Rhizoctonia Root and Stem Rot of Houseplants
Rhizoctonia solani
Houseplants (general)fungal
A soilborne fungus causing root and stem rot, especially in dense, moist potting mix.
Symptoms
Brown, dry-to-mushy lesions at the stem base near the soil line, stunted roots, and sudden collapse of young plants or fern fronds.
Cause & development
Affects a wide range of houseplants including Boston Fern and Calathea. EPPO code RHIZSO.
Favorable conditions
- •Dense, poorly aerated potting mix
- •Overwatering and high humidity at the soil surface
- •Reused, unsterilized potting soil
Management
- 1Avoid overwatering and improve airflow around the stem base
- 2Repot into fresh, sterile potting mix
- 3Remove and discard affected plant parts
Back to the disease library