Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the rotted roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting into dry, fresh soil is essential.

How often should I water to prevent this?

Check the soil every 2 to 4 days and only water when the top inch feels dry. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.

How do I know if my hibiscus has root rot? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop, and the plant looks generally weak despite the soil being wet. If you pull the plant out, the roots will look mushy, dark, and smell bad.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the rot is severe, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the dead, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot might lack sufficient drainage holes, trapping moisture at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a high quality potting mix that includes perlite to help excess water escape.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your tropical hibiscus

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

Root rot is a serious condition that can kill a hibiscus quickly if left untreated. It is not normal for the plant to have mushy roots or a foul smell at any time.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer after watering and never let the pot sit in standing water.

Tropical Hibiscus: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tropical hibiscus 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?: If you catch it early and remove the rotted roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting into dry, fresh soil is essential.
How often should I water to prevent this?: Check the soil every 2 to 4 days and only water when the top inch feels dry. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.

How do I know if my hibiscus has root rot?