Can I fix root rot by just letting it dry out?

If the rot is mild, drying it out can help. If the roots are already black and mushy, you must trim them away and repot in fresh soil.

How often should I check the soil?

Check it every 3 days. This helps you catch the moisture level before the soil becomes waterlogged.

Purple deadnettle: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for sogginess.
Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the drainage tray.
Gently pull the plant out to inspect the root color.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks wilted even though the soil is wet, and the stems may feel mushy near the base. The soil might also have a sour or swampy smell.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays heavy and wet for many days after watering. The roots will look brown and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with better drainage holes. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix that allows excess water to escape easily.

Find out what's wrong with your purple deadnettle

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 or mushy at the base, the plant is in serious trouble. A slight droop right before a scheduled watering is just a sign the plant is thirsty.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always use pots with drainage holes.

Keep your purple deadnettle 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 fix root rot by just letting it dry out?: If the rot is mild, drying it out can help. If the roots are already black and mushy, you must trim them away and repot in fresh soil.
How often should I check the soil?: Check it every 3 days. This helps you catch the moisture level before the soil becomes waterlogged.

Why is my purple deadnettle wilting and looking soggy?