Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and only a few roots are affected, you can trim the mushy parts and repot it. If the main crown is soft, the plant usually cannot be saved.

How often should I water my Sea Lavender?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the soil is dry to the touch. It is much better to underwater than to overwater this plant.

Why is my Sea Lavender base turning mushy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil at least 2 inches deep to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the base of the plant for soft or black tissue.
Check that your pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet and the base of the plant looks dark or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is widespread, you may need to remove the plant and trim away the affected roots before repotting in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil long after you have finished watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting mix to improve aeration and water flow.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sea lavender

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 stem is completely soft or mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for the plant to look slightly wilted if the soil is very dry, but it should recover after a drink.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings and ensure your plant gets plenty of direct sunlight.

Sea Lavender: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sea lavender 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 and only a few roots are affected, you can trim the mushy parts and repot it. If the main crown is soft, the plant usually cannot be saved.
How often should I water my Sea Lavender?: Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the soil is dry to the touch. It is much better to underwater than to overwater this plant.

Why is my Sea Lavender base turning mushy?