Can I save a Brittlebush with root rot?

If the rot is caught early, you can stop watering and let the roots dry out. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant is usually too far gone to recover.

How often should I water my Brittlebush?

Once established, water sparingly every 14 to 30 days. It is highly drought tolerant and prefers to stay on the dry side.

Brittlebush: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the soil moisture two inches deep with your finger.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotting odor.
Inspect the stem base for soft or discolored tissue.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the stem feels soft or mushy, and the soil smells sour. Leaves may turn yellow or brown before dropping off.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and move it to a spot with better airflow.
Poor Soil Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after irrigation. The soil remains heavy and dense rather than gritty.
What to do: Amend the soil with pumice or coarse sand to improve drainage. If the plant is in a container, repot it into a cactus mix designed for desert plants.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your brittlebush

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 stem is mushy all the way to the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. Some minor wilting after a heavy rain is normal but should resolve as the soil dries.

Stopping it coming back

Only water your Brittlebush every 14 to 30 days once it is established. Always ensure the soil is bone dry before adding more water.

Brittlebush: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your brittlebush 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

Can I save a Brittlebush with root rot?: If the rot is caught early, you can stop watering and let the roots dry out. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant is usually too far gone to recover.
How often should I water my Brittlebush?: Once established, water sparingly every 14 to 30 days. It is highly drought tolerant and prefers to stay on the dry side.

Why is my Brittlebush suffering from root rot?