Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
- Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots.
- Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for days after watering. The roots appear dark, mushy, or slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot the tree into fresh, well draining soil. Trim away any black or mushy roots with sterilized scissors before replanting.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The tree looks wilted even when the soil is wet. The leaves may turn yellow or drop unexpectedly.
What to do: Adjust your watering frequency to ensure the soil is moist but not saturated. Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering.
Find out what's wrong with your kauri
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
Root rot is always serious and requires immediate action to save the plant. If the entire root system is black and mushy, the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Use a high quality potting mix that allows for good airflow. Never let your Kauri sit in a saucer of standing water.
Kauri: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kauri 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. Repotting in fresh soil is essential.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Check the soil every 7 to 14 days. Only water when the top inch feels slightly dry to the touch.
More problems with Kauri
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.