Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Gently remove the plant, trim the dead roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.

How often should I water my chili pepper?

Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

Chili pepper: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is saturated.
Inspect the bottom of the pot to ensure drainage holes are not blocked.
Check the base of the stem for dark or squishy tissue.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt even when the soil is wet. The stems may feel soft or mushy near the soil line.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the pot has no drainage holes, move the plant to a container that does. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors.
Poor Soil Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 4 days after watering. The plant looks stunted and refuses to grow new leaves.
What to do: Repot the plant into a fresh mix containing perlite or coarse sand to improve airflow. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer full of standing water after you finish watering.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chili pepper

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 stem base is mushy or the plant is collapsing, it is likely too late to save. Minor wilting that recovers after a day of drying is just a sign to adjust your schedule.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a well draining potting mix and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

Chili pepper: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chili pepper 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?: Yes, if you catch it early. Gently remove the plant, trim the dead roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water my chili pepper?: Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.

Why is my chili pepper plant suffering from root rot?