Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can save it if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, dark roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.

How often should I check for root rot?

Check your plant every time you water. If the soil is still wet after 10 days, you are likely watering too frequently.

Yellow Archangel: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are dark and mushy.
Verify that the pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the stems feel mushy near the soil line.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the soil remains swampy for more than a day after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Empty the saucer after every watering so the roots do not sit in standing water.

Find out what's wrong with your yellow archangel

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 black and mushy at the base, the rot may be too advanced to save the plant. It is normal for a few older leaves to drop occasionally, but widespread yellowing is a red flag.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always use a pot with drainage holes.

Keep your yellow archangel 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

Can I save a plant with root rot?: You can save it if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, dark roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I check for root rot?: Check your plant every time you water. If the soil is still wet after 10 days, you are likely watering too frequently.

How do I fix root rot on my Yellow Archangel?