Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, the plant can recover. It will need time to regrow its root system, so keep it in a stable, bright location.

How do I know if the soil is too wet?

If the soil feels like a sponge that you can squeeze water out of, it is too wet. It should feel like a wrung out cloth at all times.

Smallflower hairy willowherb: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Smell the soil for any signs of decay or rot.
Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots for mushy or black sections.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet. You might notice a foul, swampy smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Repot the plant immediately into a container with drainage holes using fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any mushy, black, or foul smelling roots before replanting.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains constantly waterlogged for long periods, preventing oxygen from reaching the roots. The base of the stems may appear soft or discolored.
What to do: Allow the soil to drain thoroughly after each watering and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water. Adjust your watering frequency to ensure the soil is damp but not soggy.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your smallflower hairy 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

Worry if the plant stops growing and the stems start to collapse at the base. It is normal for the plant to look slightly droopy if it has been a few days since the last watering.

Stopping it coming back

Use a high quality potting mix that retains moisture but allows excess water to escape, and always use a pot with drainage.

Smallflower hairy willowherb: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your smallflower hairy 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

Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, the plant can recover. It will need time to regrow its root system, so keep it in a stable, bright location.
How do I know if the soil is too wet?: If the soil feels like a sponge that you can squeeze water out of, it is too wet. It should feel like a wrung out cloth at all times.

Is my smallflower hairy willowherb suffering from root rot?