Root Rot...What to do

I'm currently running coco in 5 gal smart pots inside a 3 gal flood and drain system. I have standing water that never completely drains in my bottom bucket. The roots have started growing through the holes in the bucket and into the water. They are starting to brown and I'm afraid that I'm going to get, if I don't already have root rot. I am planning on vacuuming the water out of the buckets. Is there anything I can do to prevent the spread of the root rot? Can the roots that are coming out of the bottom of the bucket be cut? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Hi there,

I've heard you can cut the roots but if I were a plant I probably wouldn't like my roots cut. Instead try adding some Hydrogen Peroxide to your system. The H2O2 measurement that worked well for me is 2tsp/gal of the 3% H2O2 (most common, drug store variant). It got rid of my slime problem and kept it away. It also helps oxygenate roots. Optionally, you can also make some earthworm casting (EWC) tea to add in there, another member here put up great instructions recently and so many people have claimed super-success. Gets your roots super white, kills the bad bacteria, and encourages healthy root and plant growth.

If by chance you are running a full organic setup, then don't use H2O2. That would be bad.

Hope this helps.

Mr. Bond

do a root soak with 2 teaspoons of H2O2 per gallon. This will unfortunately kill all the beneficial bacteria and fungi as well.