Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. By removing the dead roots and repotting in fresh soil, the plant can often recover.

How often should I water to prevent rot?

Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. This usually happens every 5 to 10 days depending on your home's humidity and light.

How do I fix root rot on my coffee plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul or swampy odor.
Gently pull the plant from its pot to inspect the root color.
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil smells sour or musty and the leaves are turning yellow or brown. The roots will look dark, slimy, and mushy instead of firm and light colored.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and a clean pot.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil remains saturated for days and the plant shows signs of wilting despite the wet soil. This is the most common cause of root rot in indoor coffee plants.
What to do: Adjust your watering frequency to every 5 to 10 days, ensuring the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coffee plant

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 majority of the roots are mushy and black, the plant 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

Use a porous, well draining soil mix and never let the plant sit in standing water. Always check the top inch of soil before you water.

Coffee plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coffee plant 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. By removing the dead roots and repotting in fresh soil, the plant can often recover.
How often should I water to prevent rot?: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. This usually happens every 5 to 10 days depending on your home's humidity and light.

How do I fix root rot on my coffee plant?