Can I save a geranium with root rot?

If you catch it early, yes. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.

How often should I water my geranium?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait a few more days.

How do I fix root rot in my geranium? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil an inch down to see if it is soggy.
Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water is draining freely.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel soft or mushy near the soil line. The soil may smell sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the damage is severe, remove the plant from the pot, trim away any black or slimy roots, and repot it in fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the pot lacks drainage holes, keeping the roots constantly submerged. The plant will look wilted even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a high quality potting mix that contains perlite to improve aeration.

Find out what's wrong with your 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 have turned black and mushy at the base, the rot may be too advanced to save the plant. It is normal for a few lower leaves to yellow as they age, but widespread yellowing is a red flag.

Stopping it coming back

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

Keep your geranium healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a geranium with root rot?: If you catch it early, yes. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
How often should I water my geranium?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait a few more days.

How do I fix root rot in my geranium?