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Salal · Gaultheria shallon

Is my Salal suffering from root rot?

Root rot is less common for this plant, as it is generally tough, but it happens if the soil stays wet for too long. Check the soil drainage first to make sure water is not pooling around the roots.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  3. Gently pull the plant out to inspect the roots for mushiness.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the base of the stems feels soft or mushy.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on top of the soil for a long time after you water the plant.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Mix in some perlite or bark to improve the soil structure.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your salal

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.

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When to worry

Worry if the roots are black, slimy, or smell bad, as this indicates advanced rot. It is normal for the plant to have a few brown roots, but they should still feel firm.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Salal: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your salal 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 plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, dead roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I check for root rot?
Check whenever you water. If the soil is still wet after 14 days, you are likely watering too often.

More problems with Salal

Back to the Salal guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.