How often should I water my Deptford pink?

Water every 7 to 14 days. Always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim the bad roots and repot in dry soil. If the main stem is rotted, it is usually too late.

Deptford pink: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches down to check for moisture.
Examine the base of the stems for soft or mushy tissue.
Check if your pot has holes at the bottom.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet and the base of the plant looks soft or discolored. The plant may start to collapse at the soil line.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, you may need to dig up the plant and trim away any black, mushy roots before replanting in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface after you water, or the pot lacks adequate drainage holes. The plant stays wet for more than two weeks.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with plenty of drainage holes. Use a gritty, sandy soil mix to ensure water flows through quickly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your deptford pink

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 is likely beyond saving. Act as soon as you notice the soil staying wet for too long.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out significantly between waterings, usually waiting 7 to 14 days depending on the weather.

Deptford pink: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your deptford pink 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.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water my Deptford pink?: Water every 7 to 14 days. Always check that the soil is dry before adding more water.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can trim the bad roots and repot in dry soil. If the main stem is rotted, it is usually too late.

Why is my Deptford pink wilting at the base?