Waterlogging

What is waterlogging?

Waterlogging, as the name suggests, occurs when water accumulates in the soil or pot of a plant. It happens when you give the plant too much water and it can't drain away properly. Waterlogging can harm the plant because the roots are constantly sitting in wet soil. This prevents the plant from absorbing enough oxygen and nutrients from the soil. Furthermore, the persistent moisture promotes mold growth in the potting soil . If you don't take action against waterlogging, the plant can become diseased and, in the worst case, die. Therefore, it's important to ensure from the beginning that waterlogging doesn't occur in the first place. If the roots have already rotted, it's usually very difficult to save the plant.

Here's how you can recognize waterlogging.

Waterlogging is one of the most common problems with houseplants and potted plants. Often, however, it goes undetected for a long time. During this time, the roots can already be significantly damaged without it being immediately apparent. If waterlogging has occurred, you can recognize it by several signs:

• Weak plant : The plant appears increasingly weak and, despite good care and fertilizer, growth stagnates.
  

• Yellow leaves : The leaves droop, turn yellow, and eventually fall off.
  

• Musty smell : At the latest when a rotten smell comes from the pot and the soil smells unpleasant, this is a clear sign of waterlogging.

A look inside the pot

If you notice these signs, you should definitely check your plant's pot and inspect the root ball. If there's standing water in the saucer or outer pot, it's very likely due to waterlogging. In this case, you should take a closer look at your plant's roots. Healthy roots are firm and white. If they are brown, mushy, or even disintegrating, this strongly indicates root rot caused by waterlogging.

Emergency measures to eliminate waterlogging

If you notice waterlogging in your plant, quick action is needed. The sooner you intervene, the greater the chances of your plant recovering. The following steps will help you eliminate waterlogging, save the roots, and prevent further damage to your plant:

1. Remove the plant from the pot : Carefully take the plant out of the pot and gently loosen the soil from the root ball.
   

2. Remove wet soil: Thoroughly remove heavily saturated soil, as it usually no longer loosens and promotes rot.
   

3. Check roots : Cut off any rotten, brown, or mushy roots with clean, sharp scissors.
   

4. Allow to dry : Place the plant on newspaper or kitchen roll for a few hours so that the roots can dry out.
   

5. Repot in fresh soil : Place your plant in fresh, loose potting soil.
   

6. Watering correctly : Water sparingly so the plant isn't immediately sitting in water. Check regularly over the next few days to ensure the soil is moist but not wet.

Avoid waterlogging

To prevent waterlogging in the first place, there are a few simple tips to follow. Water your plants less frequently but thoroughly, rather than constantly giving them a little water. The top layer of soil should be allowed to dry out well between waterings.

The right pot also plays a crucial role in preventing waterlogging. A planter with a drainage hole is best, allowing excess water to easily escape. If you use a pot without a hole, a drainage layer at the bottom, such as expanded clay pebbles, gravel, or broken clay pots, is particularly important. This layer prevents water from accumulating directly in the root zone. Additionally, a loose, well-draining potting mix is ​​recommended to prevent the soil from compacting too quickly and to ensure the roots receive sufficient air. However, the exact requirements can vary depending on the plant.

Are there any plants that can tolerate waterlogging?

Most houseplants are very sensitive to waterlogging. However, there are some species that are less sensitive and generally cope better with moisture. Such plants for moist soils often originate from swampy or tropical regions, where their roots are adapted to constant wetness. These include, for example:

• Cyprus grass (Cyperus alternifolius)

• Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

• Some Calathea species

Well-known and popular plants like the Monstera , the Ficus, and the Anthurium also originate from tropical regions, but they are sensitive to waterlogging. They prefer consistently slightly moist soil but cannot tolerate permanently wet roots. Therefore, it is particularly important to pay attention to moderate watering, well-draining soil, and proper care for these plants.