How often should I water to prevent rot?

Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the dead roots and repotting in fresh soil. If the roots are mostly black and slimy, it is usually best to start over.

Broad-leaved willowherb: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger into the soil to check for sogginess.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or wilt despite the soil being wet. The base of the stem may look mushy or discolored.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days after watering. The plant shows signs of stress like drooping or stunted growth.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or mushy roots with clean scissors before replanting.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your broad-leaved willowherb

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 base is soft and mushy, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. Yellowing leaves are a sign to act quickly before it gets worse.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a well draining soil mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Broad-leaved willowherb: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your broad-leaved willowherb 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

How often should I water to prevent rot?: Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the dead roots and repotting in fresh soil. If the roots are mostly black and slimy, it is usually best to start over.

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