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Italian arum · Arum italicum

How do I fix root rot in my Italian arum?

Root rot happens when your plant sits in waterlogged soil for too long, causing the roots to suffocate. Check the smell and color of the roots to confirm this issue.

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

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a foul or rotten odor.
  2. Gently tip the plant out of its pot to inspect the root color.
  3. Check if the drainage holes are blocked by soil or debris.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil smells sour or swampy and the plant looks wilted despite wet soil.

    What to do: Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors before replanting.

  2. Excessive Watering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil remains saturated for weeks without drying out between waterings.

    What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your italian arum

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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you catch it while some roots are still firm and white, recovery is possible.

Stopping it coming back

Use a porous, well draining soil mix and never let the pot sit in standing water.

Italian arum: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your italian arum 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 plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Remove the damaged roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water to prevent rot?
Aim for every 7 to 14 days, but always test the soil moisture first to ensure it is not still soggy.

More problems with Italian arum

Back to the Italian arum 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.