Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, wash the remaining healthy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.

How do I know if my roots are healthy?

Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. If they are dark, slimy, or break easily when touched, they are likely rotting.

How do I fix root rot on my Golden Pothos?

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul or musty odor.
Gently pull the plant from the pot to inspect the root color.
Check if the soil is compacted or waterlogged.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than two weeks and the plant has a faint, swampy smell.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots before replanting.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves are drooping and yellowing, and the soil surface is constantly wet.
What to do: Reduce your watering frequency to every 7 to 10 days. Always check that the top few centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water.

When to worry

If the roots are black, mushy, and falling apart, the situation is serious. If the roots are still firm and white or tan, the plant can usually be saved.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and never let the plant sit in a saucer full of standing water.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your golden pothos.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, wash the remaining healthy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How do I know if my roots are healthy?: Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. If they are dark, slimy, or break easily when touched, they are likely rotting.