Can I save a tree with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the tree. It will need time to recover and grow new roots.

How often should I water to prevent rot?

For a carob tree, wait 14 to 30 days between waterings. Always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.

Carob: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Gently pull the tree from the pot to inspect the root color.
Check that the pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil smells sour or swampy. The roots appear black, slimy, or fall apart when touched.
What to do: Remove the tree from its pot and trim away any mushy, dark roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the tree into fresh, well draining soil and a clean container.
Excessive Watering
Most likely
How to tell: The tree shows signs of stress like drooping or yellowing leaves despite your best efforts. The soil never gets a chance to dry out between waterings.
What to do: Wait until the soil is dry to the touch at least halfway down the pot before watering again. Ensure you are not leaving the pot sitting in a saucer of standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your carob

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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the tree may be too far gone to save. If you see healthy white or light brown roots, there is a good chance for recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a gritty, fast draining potting mix and never let the pot sit in water.

Carob: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your carob 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 tree with root rot?: If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the tree. It will need time to recover and grow new roots.
How often should I water to prevent rot?: For a carob tree, wait 14 to 30 days between waterings. Always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.

How do I know if my carob tree has root rot?