Root rot almost always comes from overwatering plus poor drainage. The earlier you catch it, the better.
Diagnose
Unpot: healthy roots white/firm; rotted roots brown-black, mushy, smelly. 0–20% browning tips: trim, air-dry ~1 hour, repot. 25–50% brown/mushy: full rescue. Under 25% healthy: take cuttings.
Full rescue
Sterile scissors to cut all rot back to white tissue; sterilise between cuts
Optional H2O2 soak: 1 part 3% to 2 parts water, 5–10 min, rinse
Air-dry 20–30 min to callus
Repot in fresh dry free-draining mix (60% compost / 25% perlite / 15% bark), drainage holes
Severe cases: prune top growth
Prevention
Free-draining mix, drainage holes, water to need, check roots every 1–2 years.
Hong Kong note: The humid season is peak root-rot time. Breathable pots, more perlite and moisture control are the best defences.
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