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Hairy bittercress · Cardamine hirsuta

Why is my Hairy bittercress showing signs of root rot?

Root rot is less common for this plant, as it is generally hardy, but it happens when the soil stays soggy for too long. Check the drainage of your pot or garden bed first.

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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 sour or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  3. Examine the roots for a dark, slimy appearance.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the base of the stem feels soft or mushy.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil and does not soak in quickly.

    What to do: Ensure your container has holes at the bottom. If planting in the ground, amend the soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your hairy bittercress

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 stem is turning black or mushy at the base, the rot may be too advanced to save the plant. It is normal for a few lower leaves to die off as the plant matures.

Stopping it coming back

Always ensure the soil is damp but never waterlogged, and provide excellent drainage.

Hairy bittercress: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hairy bittercress 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?
You can try to save it by trimming away the mushy, dark roots and repotting it in dry, fresh soil. If the stem is already mushy, it is likely too late.
How often should I water to avoid rot?
Aim to water every 2 to 5 days, but always check the soil moisture first to ensure it is not already wet.

More problems with Hairy bittercress

Back to the Hairy bittercress 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.