Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, refresh the soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.

How often should I water my Bigroot Geranium?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. This plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.

Bigroot Geranium: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or dark color.

Likely causes

Poor soil drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels heavy and soggy long after watering, and the base of the stems may look mushy or dark. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Repot the plant into a fresh, well draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand. Trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors before replanting. Ensure your container has large holes at the bottom for excess water to escape.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and droop even though the soil is wet. The plant stops growing and looks generally unhappy.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before adding more water. Stick your finger into the soil to verify dryness before watering again. Adjust your schedule to water every 7 to 14 days rather than on a fixed calendar day.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bigroot geranium

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 stems are black and mushy at the base, the plant is in serious trouble. It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow as the plant grows, but widespread wilting is a sign of a major issue.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a fast draining soil mix and never let your geranium sit in a saucer of standing water. Proper airflow around the base of the plant also helps the soil dry out appropriately.

Bigroot Geranium: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bigroot geranium 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 the dead roots, refresh the soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
How often should I water my Bigroot Geranium?: Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. This plant prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.

Why is my Bigroot Geranium wilting and rotting?