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Common jasmine · Jasminum officinale

How do I fix root rot in my Common Jasmine?

It is less common for this plant to get root rot if you follow a regular watering schedule. Check the soil drainage and the smell of the roots first to confirm the issue.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
  3. Feel the soil to see if it is constantly waterlogged.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet. The stems may feel soft or mushy near the soil line.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the jasmine into fresh, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for more than a week after watering. The plant shows signs of decline despite your best efforts.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting soil to improve aeration and drainage.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common jasmine

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.

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When to worry

Root rot is serious and can kill a plant quickly if the roots turn completely black. If the stems are firm and green, there is a good chance for recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Common jasmine: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common jasmine 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

Should I fertilize a plant with root rot?
No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of new, healthy growth before feeding it again.
How often should I water?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. This rhythm keeps the roots healthy and prevents rot.

More problems with Common jasmine

Back to the Common jasmine guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.