Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh soil. If the majority of the roots are mushy, the plant may not recover.

How often should I water to avoid rot?

Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always adjust based on your local weather and humidity.

Crosswort: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or swampy.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel mushy at the base. The soil stays wet for more than a week.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining mix.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil after you water. The plant looks wilted even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow to the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crosswort

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 black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely reached the crown. It is normal for the bottom leaves to yellow slightly as the plant ages.

Stopping it coming back

Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a fast draining soil mix.

Crosswort: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crosswort 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 away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh soil. If the majority of the roots are mushy, the plant may not recover.
How often should I water to avoid rot?: Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always adjust based on your local weather and humidity.

Why is my Crosswort showing signs of root rot?