Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can try by trimming away the black, mushy roots and repotting in fresh, dry soil. If the stem is already mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving.

How often should I check the soil?

Check the soil every 3 days to ensure you are not watering too frequently.

Siberian rocket: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Inspect the roots for a dark, mushy appearance.
Verify that the pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays constantly muddy and the base of the stem feels soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot without holes, repot it into a container with proper drainage.
Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting soil to improve aeration. Ensure the pot has at least one large hole at the bottom.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your siberian rocket

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 turning black or mushy at the base, the rot is advanced and the plant may not survive. It is normal for lower leaves to drop occasionally as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

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

Siberian rocket: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your siberian rocket 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?: You can try by trimming away the black, mushy roots and repotting in fresh, dry soil. If the stem is already mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving.
How often should I check the soil?: Check the soil every 3 days to ensure you are not watering too frequently.

Why is my Siberian rocket suffering from root rot?