Can I reuse the old soil?

No, discard the old soil as it likely contains fungal spores or pests. Always use fresh, sterile potting mix.

How often should I water to prevent this?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the top inch of soil first. If it is still damp, wait another day or two.

Purple cyclamen: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

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

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and collapse, and the soil smells sour or swampy. The roots will look brown and mushy rather than firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining potting mix and wait a few days before watering again.
Vine weevil larvae
Possible
How to tell: This is less common for this plant, but it usually happens when larvae chew through the tuber and roots, causing the plant to wilt suddenly. Check the soil for small, white, C shaped grubs.
What to do: If you find larvae, you must treat the soil with a biological control like nematodes. Repot the plant into clean soil after washing the tuber gently.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple cyclamen

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 tuber feels soft or mushy to the touch, the plant is likely beyond saving. Some leaf yellowing is normal as the plant ages, but total collapse is a sign of severe rot.

Stopping it coming back

Use a porous potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Purple cyclamen: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple cyclamen 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 reuse the old soil?: No, discard the old soil as it likely contains fungal spores or pests. Always use fresh, sterile potting mix.
How often should I water to prevent this?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the top inch of soil first. If it is still damp, wait another day or two.

Guides to these causes

Vine Weevil

How do I fix root rot in my Cyclamen purpurascens?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your purple cyclamen?