Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover.

How often should I water to avoid rot?

Check the soil every 3 days and only water when the top layer feels dry to the touch.

Sun spurge: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Gently pull the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the stem feels soft or mushy, and the soil smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black or slimy roots before repotting in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty soil mix that allows excess water to escape quickly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sun spurge

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 mushy or discolored, the plant is in critical condition. It is normal for the soil to be damp, but it should never be waterlogged.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out slightly between waterings and use a fast draining potting mix.

Sun spurge: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sun spurge 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 the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover.
How often should I water to avoid rot?: Check the soil every 3 days and only water when the top layer feels dry to the touch.

Why is my Sun spurge suffering from root rot?