Can I save a hydrangea with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the damaged roots and moving the plant to fresh, dry soil often allows it to recover.

How often should I water to avoid rot?

Water every 2 to 4 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry. Never water on a strict calendar if the soil is still damp.

How do I fix root rot on my hydrangea? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not clogged.
Examine the roots to see if they are white and firm or brown and mushy.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems look mushy or dark near the soil line. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with large drainage holes using fresh, well-draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors before replanting.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains wet for more than 4 days after watering. The plant looks wilted even though the soil is saturated.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Ensure you empty the saucer under the pot so the plant never sits in standing water.

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 stems are turning black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for the plant to look slightly thirsty just before it is time to water again.

Stopping it coming back

Use a high-quality potting mix and always check the soil moisture with your finger before watering.

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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a hydrangea with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the damaged roots and moving the plant to fresh, dry soil often allows it to recover.
How often should I water to avoid rot?: Water every 2 to 4 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry. Never water on a strict calendar if the soil is still damp.

How do I fix root rot on my hydrangea?