---
title: "ROOT ROT! The poor bugger (forked leaf sundew) needed all necrotic…"
description: "ROOT ROT! The poor bugger (forked leaf sundew) needed all necrotic roots trimmed. I removed the flower stalk. I gently scrubbed the muck off with a soft…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/TFxtGZcCNPFswf1fKD3Gst"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Lucy"
published: "2026-02-24T20:32:57.318895Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ie-c0hDngpmg_dFyzwhMlJr8p1ns5EBHQRLAmWOm5C8/lsyc-27RTXCDctXtsdhY4g.webp?size=large"
---

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# ROOT ROT! The poor bugger (forked leaf sundew) needed all necrotic…

_Posted by Lucy on 2026-02-24_

ROOT ROT! The poor bugger (forked leaf sundew) needed all necrotic roots trimmed. I removed the flower stalk. I gently scrubbed the muck off with a soft toothbrush and did a quick clean (about a minute) with hypochlorous acid. Rinsed with distilled water. Left to air dry for 30 minutes. Placing on top of new sphagnum. Hopefully will see new growth from the still firm root ryzome. 😢

Mostly just looking for emotional support. I don't think there is much else I can do now.

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ie-c0hDngpmg_dFyzwhMlJr8p1ns5EBHQRLAmWOm5C8/lsyc-27RTXCDctXtsdhY4g.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ie-c0hDngpmg_dFyzwhMlJr8p1ns5EBHQRLAmWOm5C8/40eDBzW3TuSkaQ5hBFSbeQ.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ie-c0hDngpmg_dFyzwhMlJr8p1ns5EBHQRLAmWOm5C8/oMqlYRw3RluUepLQrpltCw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ie-c0hDngpmg_dFyzwhMlJr8p1ns5EBHQRLAmWOm5C8/Hu3EatXxR3qrpWrZ5N1ayQ.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Rose commented on 2026-02-24

Just wondering but were the roots mushy and stinky? Sundew actually have black roots normally so I can’t tell if it’s rotted from the picture. I’m sure she’ll grow out new healthy roots though!

#### Lucy replied on 2026-02-24

Yes, they were mushy. The smell is what I noticed first. My fingernails are stained yellow-green from picking the squishy yuck off before I gave up and trimmed them.

#### Rose replied on 2026-02-25

Hopefully they grow back strong and healthy! Root rot is the worst 😭

### Lucy commented on 2026-03-11

It’s bouncing back! There is a new growth nub at the crown 😍

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