Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.

How often should I check for root rot?

You do not need to check the roots unless you see symptoms like yellowing leaves or mushy stems. Simply monitoring the soil moisture is usually enough.

How do I fix root rot in my pignut? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotting odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots look firm and white.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel soft or mushy. If you smell a sour odor coming from the soil, the roots are likely decaying.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the damage is severe, remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 10 days after watering. Water sitting in the bottom of the pot prevents oxygen from reaching the roots.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using fresh, well draining soil. Ensure you empty any excess water from the saucer after every watering.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pignut

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 and the plant is collapsing, it is a serious situation that requires immediate repotting. Minor yellowing can often be fixed by adjusting your watering habits.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and wait for the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Pignut: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pignut 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. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.
How often should I check for root rot?: You do not need to check the roots unless you see symptoms like yellowing leaves or mushy stems. Simply monitoring the soil moisture is usually enough.

How do I fix root rot in my pignut?