Living Stones Prone to Phytophthora Root Rot: How to Protect
Lithops species
Disease caused by fungus-like organisms (oomycetes) that live in soil and can survive for years. It affects roots, stem, and crown of plants, being especially severe in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. It is the second most common cause of root rot in trees and shrubs.
ð Symptoms
- âĒ Leaf wilting despite moist soil
- âĒ Yellowing or discolored foliage (dull green, yellow, red, purplish)
- âĒ Sparse foliage and progressive branch dieback
- âĒ Gradual color decline in conifers (vibrant green â dull green â gray â brown)
- âĒ Darkened bark around crown and upper roots
- âĒ Reddish-brown streaks in inner bark and outer wood layer
- âĒ Dark sap or gum oozing from diseased trunk areas
- âĒ Water-soaked spots turning brown on stems
- âĒ Poor root system with blackened, soft roots that break easily
- âĒ Inverted V-shaped discoloration pattern at stem base
â Possible Causes
- â Heavy, compacted, or waterlogged soil
- â Inadequate drainage and standing water around base
- â Prolonged over-irrigation
- â Planting too deep or covering plant crown
- â Soil saturation for 4-8 hours (sufficient for infection)
- â Warm/mild temperatures combined with moist soil
- â Movement of contaminated soil, water, or plants
- â Un-sanitized tools and equipment
- â Purchase of infected nursery stock
ð Treatment
Quick Fixes
Expose plant base by removing soil to main roots
Allow area to dry completely
Apply phosphorous acid-based systemic fungicide as foliar spray
Products like fosetyl-al (Aliette)
Apply mefenoxam to soil around base
Follow label dosage
Fix irrigation system to avoid wetting trunk
Adjust sprinklers and drip emitters
Reapply foliar fungicide after 2-3 weeks
During active growth period
Monitor symptoms weekly
Observe progression or stabilization
Organic Treatment
Expose plant base by removing soil down to main roots
Allow crown tissue to air-dry completely
Improve drainage by creating mound or installing drainage system
Raise planting area 8-12 inches for trees
Apply composted hardwood bark and gypsum around base
Use 15-25 lbs gypsum per 100 sq ft
Add fresh tree chip mulch
Promotes beneficial Phytophthora-suppressive organisms
Apply biological product with Trichoderma spp.
Follow manufacturer instructions
Adjust irrigation to water only at dripline
Never wet trunk or base
Monitor recovery weekly
Observe new foliage and vigor
ðĄïļ Prevention
- â Significantly improve soil drainage before planting
- â Plant on raised mounds (8-12 inches for trees, 8-10 inches for shrubs)
- â Avoid prolonged soil saturation; allow top layer to dry between waterings
- â Never plant deeper than nursery depth; do not cover graft union
- â Adjust sprinklers to avoid wetting trunk; position drip emitters away from base
- â Avoid volcano mulching around stem
- â Select certified stock and resistant varieties
- â Inspect root system before purchase; avoid severely pot-bound plants
- â Do not install irrigated turf around tree bases
- â Break through compacted soil layers (hardpan) before planting
- â Group plants by irrigation needs
- â Avoid replanting susceptible species for 1-2 seasons after infection
- â Redirect drainage water away from healthy plants
- â Clean tools and equipment regularly
ðą Care Guide: Living Stones
ð§ How to Water
Water only when completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks. Stop watering entirely during summer dormancy.
âïļ Lighting
Requires intense direct sunlight for at least 4-5 hours daily.
ðŠī Ideal Soil
Use extremely well-draining soil: cactus mix with 50% perlite or coarse sand.