Can I save a plant with root rot?

If the rot is limited to a few roots, you can prune them away and replant in fresh, dry soil. If the root ball is mostly mush, it is best to replace the plant.

How do I know if my soil drains well?

Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy for this plant.

Bearberry cotoneaster: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil depth to see if it is soggy.
Check if the planting site has standing water.
Look for yellowing leaves near the base.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than two weeks after watering. The plant looks wilted even when the soil is damp.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter or grit to improve drainage.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: Leaves turn yellow and drop while the soil remains consistently soggy. The roots will look mushy and smell sour.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days, only watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure the plant is not sitting in a low spot where water collects.

Find out what's wrong with your bearberry cotoneaster

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 entire plant is wilting and the roots are black and mushy, it is likely too late to save it. A little yellowing on older leaves is normal as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Plant in well-draining soil and never water unless the top inch of soil is dry.

Keep your bearberry cotoneaster healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?: If the rot is limited to a few roots, you can prune them away and replant in fresh, dry soil. If the root ball is mostly mush, it is best to replace the plant.
How do I know if my soil drains well?: Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy for this plant.

Why is my Bearberry cotoneaster's roots rotting?