🦠

Root Rot

How to identify and save a plant with rotting roots

Possible Causes

Most Common

Overwatering

Signs to look for
  • •Soil stays wet for more than a week
  • •Yellowing leaves that fall off easily
  • •Soft, mushy stem base
  • •Foul smell from soil
Solution

Remove plant from pot, trim all black/mushy roots with sterile scissors, repot in fresh dry soil, and reduce watering frequency significantly.

Most Common

Poor Drainage

Signs to look for
  • •Pot has no drainage holes
  • •Heavy, compacted soil
  • •Water pools on soil surface
  • •Roots sitting in water
Solution

Always use pots with drainage holes. Repot in well-draining soil mix (add perlite). Use a pot that's appropriately sized—not too large.

Likely

Pot Too Large

Signs to look for
  • •Plant looks small in its pot
  • •Soil stays wet far from root ball
  • •Recently repotted into much larger pot
Solution

Repot into a container only 1-2 inches larger than the root ball. Excess soil holds water the roots can't use.

Possible

Cold and Wet Environment

Signs to look for
  • •Plant is in a cold room
  • •Winter watering schedule same as summer
  • •Near cold windows or drafts
Solution

Move to a warmer location. Reduce watering significantly in winter when growth slows. Most plants need much less water in cold conditions.

Identifying Root Rot

Root rot is serious but often catchable if you act quickly. The key is recognizing the signs before the entire root system is compromised.

Warning

Root rot spreads quickly. If you suspect it, check the roots immediately. The sooner you act, the better the chance of saving your plant.

Signs to Watch For

Above soil:

  • Yellowing leaves that drop easily
  • Wilting even when soil is moist
  • Soft, mushy stem base
  • Stunted or stopped growth
  • Foul, swampy smell

Below soil:

  • Black or dark brown roots (healthy roots are white or tan)
  • Mushy, slimy root texture
  • Roots that fall apart when touched
  • Foul odor from root ball

How to Save a Plant with Root Rot

Step 1: Remove and Assess Gently remove the plant from its pot. Shake off soil to examine the roots. If all roots are black and mushy, the plant may not be salvageable. If some white, firm roots remain, there's hope.

Step 2: Trim Damaged Roots Using sterile scissors (wipe with rubbing alcohol), cut away all black, mushy, or slimy roots. Cut back to healthy white tissue. Be thorough—leaving any rot can allow it to spread.

Step 3: Treat (Optional) Dip remaining roots in a hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water) to kill remaining pathogens.

Step 4: Repot Use a clean pot with drainage holes and fresh, well-draining soil. Don't reuse the old soil. Position the plant and backfill with dry soil.

Step 5: Recovery Care

  • Wait several days before watering to let cut roots callus
  • Place in bright indirect light
  • Don't fertilize until new growth appears
  • Water sparingly—the reduced root system needs less water
Tip

After treating root rot, consider bottom watering. It allows soil to dry between waterings while ensuring even moisture distribution—perfect for recovery.

Prevention

  1. Use well-draining soil - Add perlite or pumice to improve drainage
  2. Choose appropriate pot size - Only 1-2 inches larger than root ball
  3. Ensure drainage holes - Never use pots without them for houseplants
  4. Wait until soil dries - Check moisture before watering
  5. Reduce winter watering - Plants need less water when not actively growing
  6. Bottom water - Consistent moisture without waterlogging

The Bottom Watering Advantage

Bottom watering is one of the best ways to prevent root rot. The plant draws water up as needed, and excess water stays in the reservoir rather than saturating the soil. The top layer of soil stays drier, discouraging fungal growth.

Related Issues

Yellow Leaves
Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?