Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove all the decayed roots, the plant can recover. It will need time to grow a new, healthy root system.

How often should I water to prevent rot?

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

Asiatic dayflower: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The plant wilts and the stems near the soil line turn brown or black. The roots will look mushy and smell bad when you pull the plant out.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, slimy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil surface stays dark and damp for a long time. You might see fungus gnats flying around the pot.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 2 to 4 days depending on how fast the soil dries. Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your asiatic dayflower

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 stems are mushy all the way up to the leaves, the plant is likely too far gone to save. If only a few roots are affected, you can usually save it.

Stopping it coming back

Use a light, airy potting mix and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Asiatic dayflower: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your asiatic dayflower 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?: If you catch it early and remove all the decayed roots, the plant can recover. It will need time to grow a new, healthy root system.
How often should I water to prevent rot?: Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.

How do I fix root rot on my Asiatic dayflower?