Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, yes. It requires careful repotting and a change in your watering routine.

Should I water more if the leaves are drooping?

No, drooping can be a sign of root rot because the roots can no longer take up water. Check the soil moisture before adding more water.

How do I fix root rot in my Kangaroo paw? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots for color and texture.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil remains soggy days after watering and the base of the plant feels soft. The leaves may turn yellow or collapse suddenly.
What to do: Repot the plant immediately into a well draining mix containing perlite or sand. Ensure the pot has large drainage holes at the bottom.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The plant is watered too frequently, preventing the roots from breathing. The roots will appear brown, mushy, and smell bad.
What to do: Trim away any black or mushy roots with sterilized shears. Allow the plant to dry out slightly before repotting in fresh, dry soil.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kangaroo paw

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.

When to worry

If the entire root system is mushy and the base of the stem is soft, the plant may be too far gone to save. Act as soon as you notice the soil staying wet for over two weeks.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out completely before watering again. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix.

Kangaroo paw: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kangaroo paw 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.

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, yes. It requires careful repotting and a change in your watering routine.
Should I water more if the leaves are drooping?: No, drooping can be a sign of root rot because the roots can no longer take up water. Check the soil moisture before adding more water.

How do I fix root rot in my Kangaroo paw?