Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting into fresh, dry soil is essential.

Does Coreopsis need special soil?

It prefers loose, sandy, or loamy soil that does not hold too much moisture.

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

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Examine the roots for a brown, mushy appearance.
Check if the pot has standing water in the saucer.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the base of the stems feels mushy or soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, repot it into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Amend the soil with perlite or sand to improve aeration. Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your large flowered tickseed

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 base of the stem is black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. It is normal for a few lower leaves to yellow as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again and ensure the planting site has excellent drainage.

Large flowered tickseed: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your large flowered tickseed 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 the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting into fresh, dry soil is essential.
Does Coreopsis need special soil?: It prefers loose, sandy, or loamy soil that does not hold too much moisture.

How do I fix root rot in my Coreopsis?