Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, yes. You must remove all the damaged roots and provide fresh soil to give it a clean start.

How often should I check for root rot?

Check the roots whenever you repot or if you notice the plant is not thriving despite regular care. You do not need to check them constantly.

Fittonia: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Gently pull the plant out of the pot to inspect the roots.
Check if the soil is staying wet for more than a week.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and mushy, and the soil smells sour or moldy.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits at the bottom of the pot for days after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. If it does not, repot the plant into a container that allows excess water to escape.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fittonia

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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you see white, firm roots, there is a good chance for recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again, and never let the pot sit in standing water.

Fittonia: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fittonia 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, yes. You must remove all the damaged roots and provide fresh soil to give it a clean start.
How often should I check for root rot?: Check the roots whenever you repot or if you notice the plant is not thriving despite regular care. You do not need to check them constantly.

How do I know if my nerve plant has root rot?