Root Shock: How to Spot and Treat
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”
When you transplant a plant, it experiences a period of stress known as root shock. This is caused by the damage to the plant's roots during the transplanting process. Root shock can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Wilting
Yellowing leaves
Stunted growth
Dropping leaves
Failure to produce flowers or fruit
Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
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The severity of root shock depends on a number of factors, including:
The type of plant: Some plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, are more susceptible to root shock than others, such as succulents and cacti.
The size of the root system: Plants with a large root system are more likely to experience root shock than plants with a small root system.
The care the plant receives after transplanting: Plants that are not properly watered or fertilized after transplanting are more likely to experience root shock.
To help your plants recover from root shock, you can do a few things:
Water thoroughly. One of the most important things you can do for a plant in root shock is to water it thoroughly. This will help to rehydrate the roots and reduce stress. Water the plant deeply and slowly, allowing the water to soak into the soil.
Keep the plant in a shady spot. Bright sunlight can further stress a plant in root shock. Keep the plant in a shady spot for a few days or weeks until it recovers.
Avoid fertilizing. Fertilizing a plant in root shock can damage the roots further. Wait until the plant has recovered before fertilizing.
Be patient. It may take several weeks or even months for a plant to fully recover from root shock. Be patient and provide the plant with the care it needs to recover.
With a little care and attention, your plants can bounce back from root shock and thrive in their new home.
Additional tips for helping plants recover from root shock:
Handle the roots carefully when transplanting. Avoid damaging the roots when you are transplanting a plant. Be careful not to pull on the roots or break them.
Replant the plant in well-draining soil. Plants in root shock need soil that drains well. This will help to prevent the roots from rotting.
Use a rooting hormone when transplanting. A rooting hormone can help to promote root growth and reduce root shock.
Mulch around the plant. Mulch will help to keep the soil moist and cool, which will benefit a plant in root shock.
Avoid transplanting plants during hot or dry weather. Plants are more likely to experience root shock when they are transplanted during hot or dry weather. If you must transplant a plant during this time, be sure to water it thoroughly and keep it in a shady spot.
As advocates of green living, we at The ZEN Succulent would love to hear your stories about how indoor plants have influenced your life. Share your experiences in the comments below or tag us on social media with your indoor garden photos. Let’s spread the word about the healing power of plants.
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™