Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stem, the plant will not recover.

How often should I water tarragon?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Tarragon prefers to be slightly on the drier side rather than constantly wet.

Tarragon: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels soggy and smells swampy. The base of the stems may look mushy or dark.
What to do: Repot your plant into a container with large drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Mix in perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The plant wilts even though the soil is wet. Leaves may turn yellow and drop off quickly.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering again. Adjust your schedule to every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your tarragon

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 stems are black and mushy at the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is time to start fresh with a new plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.

Tarragon: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tarragon 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, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stem, the plant will not recover.
How often should I water tarragon?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Tarragon prefers to be slightly on the drier side rather than constantly wet.

Why is my tarragon plant wilting and dying at the base?