Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim the damaged roots and replant in fresh, dry soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often best to start over.

How do I know if the roots are healthy?

Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. Rotten roots are dark, mushy, and break apart easily.

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

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the soil feels like a swamp.
Gently pull at the base to see if the plant is loose in the ground.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The plant stops growing, leaves turn yellow or brown, and the base of the stem feels soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for days after watering.
What to do: If the plant is in a container, repot it into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, slimy roots. If it is in the ground, amend the soil with compost to improve drainage.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains saturated and the plant shows signs of decline despite being watered frequently. The roots may emit a foul odor.
What to do: Reduce your watering frequency to every 5 to 7 days. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before adding more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bunchberry

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

Root rot is always a serious concern that can kill the plant if left untreated. If the entire root system is black and mushy, the plant likely cannot be saved.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your soil is loose and well draining, and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Bunchberry: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bunchberry 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, you can trim the damaged roots and replant in fresh, dry soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often best to start over.
How do I know if the roots are healthy?: Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. Rotten roots are dark, mushy, and break apart easily.

How do I fix root rot in my bunchberry?