Can I just let the soil dry out to fix root rot?

If the rot is advanced, drying the soil is not enough. You must remove the damaged roots and replace the soil.

Does root rot happen to outdoor lantana?

It can happen if the soil in your garden bed does not drain well or if the area stays constantly wet.

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

Check these first

Check if the soil is waterlogged.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Gently pull the plant to see if the roots are mushy.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet, and the base of the stem may feel mushy or discolored.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil and a container with holes.
Excessive Watering
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains damp for more than 14 days between waterings. The plant stops growing and leaves begin to drop.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. In cooler months, reduce your watering frequency significantly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lantana

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 stem base is soft and mushy, the rot has likely reached the crown, which is often fatal. Act immediately if you see these signs.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a fast-draining potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Lantana: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lantana 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I just let the soil dry out to fix root rot?: If the rot is advanced, drying the soil is not enough. You must remove the damaged roots and replace the soil.
Does root rot happen to outdoor lantana?: It can happen if the soil in your garden bed does not drain well or if the area stays constantly wet.

How do I fix root rot on my lantana?