Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim the rotted roots and repot the plant in dry soil. If the majority of the roots are gone, it is often best to start over.

How do I know if I have vine weevils?

Look for notched edges on the leaves caused by adult beetles and check the roots for the larvae. They are most active in the root zone during the growing season.

Why is my Coral Bells plant collapsing? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Gently tug on the plant to see if it is loose in the soil.
Dig down to inspect the roots for grubs or mushy texture.
Check if the pot has proper drainage holes.

Likely causes

Vine Weevil Larvae
Most likely
How to tell: The plant suddenly collapses and the roots appear chewed or missing when pulled from the soil.
What to do: Dig up the plant to inspect the root ball for small, white, C shaped grubs. Remove the grubs and treat the soil with a beneficial nematode treatment.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays soggy and the roots look mushy or dark brown instead of firm and white.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the rot is severe, trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your coral bells

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 plant is loose in the ground or the roots are completely mushy, it is a serious emergency. If the plant is already brown and brittle, it may be too late to save.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure your soil drains well and avoid overwatering. Monitor for weevils in the spring and fall.

Coral Bells: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coral bells 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?: If you catch it early, you can trim the rotted roots and repot the plant in dry soil. If the majority of the roots are gone, it is often best to start over.
How do I know if I have vine weevils?: Look for notched edges on the leaves caused by adult beetles and check the roots for the larvae. They are most active in the root zone during the growing season.

Guides to these causes

Vine Weevil

Why is my Coral Bells plant collapsing?