Can I save a Cider gum with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the entire root system is dark and slimy, the plant likely cannot be saved.

How often should I water my Cider gum?

Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Cider gum: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil feels soggy or smells like rotten eggs.
Inspect the pot to ensure it has functional drainage holes.
Lift the pot to see if it is sitting in a pool of water.

Likely causes

Waterlogged soil
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels soggy or smells sour, and the plant looks wilted despite having damp soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and move the plant to a spot with better airflow. If the pot has no drainage, repot it into a container with holes using a well draining potting mix.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Mix in perlite or coarse sand to improve soil aeration. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer full of standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your cider gum

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 feels soft or mushy, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. Some minor wilting after a heavy rain is normal, but it should recover quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

Cider gum: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cider gum 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 Cider gum with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the entire root system is dark and slimy, the plant likely cannot be saved.
How often should I water my Cider gum?: Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Why is my Cider gum wilting and showing root rot?