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Boab · Adansonia gregorii

Why is my Boab suffering from root rot?

Root rot is a serious issue for Boabs, usually caused by soil that stays wet for too long. Check your soil moisture levels immediately to see if the roots are sitting in water.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil at least 3 inches deep to check for moisture.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Check the trunk base for any signs of softness or discoloration.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels soggy and the base of the trunk may feel soft or mushy. You might also notice a sour smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is severe, remove the plant from the pot, trim away black or slimy roots, and repot in fresh, well draining cactus mix.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after watering. The pot lacks sufficient drainage holes at the bottom.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix designed for succulents to prevent water from sitting around the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your boab

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the trunk base feels soft or the plant is leaning, the rot may have reached the main structure. This is often fatal if not caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and use a pot with excellent drainage.

Boab: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your boab and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a Boab with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry, airy soil.
How often should I water my Boab?
Water every 7 to 21 days during the growing season, but only when the soil is bone dry.

More problems with Boab

Back to the Boab guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.