Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim the bad roots and repot in fresh soil. If the rot has reached the crown of the plant, it is usually too late.

How often should I check the soil?

Check it once a week. If the top inch is dry, it is time to water.

Rough hawkbit: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
Check the drainage holes for blockages.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and mushy, and the plant will look like it is wilting despite the soil being wet. You might also notice a sour smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, check that the drainage holes are not blocked.
Poor Soil Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays muddy for days after you water it. The roots will look brown and slimy rather than firm and white.
What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining soil mix with added perlite or sand. Trim away any black or mushy roots before replanting.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rough hawkbit

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 base of the plant is turning black and mushy, it is likely too late to save it. If only a few roots are affected, you can usually trim them and recover.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and use a gritty, fast draining soil mix.

Rough hawkbit: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rough hawkbit 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 save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can trim the bad roots and repot in fresh soil. If the rot has reached the crown of the plant, it is usually too late.
How often should I check the soil?: Check it once a week. If the top inch is dry, it is time to water.

Why is my Leontodon hispidus showing signs of root rot?