Does my hydrangea need special soil?

Hydrangeas prefer rich, well draining soil that holds moisture without becoming swampy. A standard potting mix with some added perlite works well.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can save it by removing the dead roots and repotting it in fresh soil. Be careful not to overwater it while it recovers.

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

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Inspect the roots for mushy or dark sections.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet. If you check the roots, they will look mushy, dark brown, or black instead of firm and white.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the rot is advanced, remove the plant from the pot, trim away the mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack drainage holes or be sitting in a saucer of standing water.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Never let the plant sit in a saucer full of water for more than 15 minutes after watering.

Find out what's wrong with your bigleaf hydrangea

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 roots are completely black and mushy, the plant is likely too far gone to save. If there are still firm white roots, you have a good chance of recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always check the top inch of soil before watering and ensure your pot drains freely.

Keep your bigleaf hydrangea 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

Does my hydrangea need special soil?: Hydrangeas prefer rich, well draining soil that holds moisture without becoming swampy. A standard potting mix with some added perlite works well.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: You can save it by removing the dead roots and repotting it in fresh soil. Be careful not to overwater it while it recovers.

How do I know if my hydrangea has root rot?