Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy, dark roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the majority of the root system is black and slimy, it is usually best to start over.

How often should I check the soil?

Check the soil every 3 days to see if it needs water. Fairy flax prefers to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Fairy flax: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is soggy.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
Gently pull the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet or swampy, and the stems near the soil line turn mushy or dark.
What to do: Stop watering until the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for several minutes after you water. The plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet.
What to do: Repot your fairy flax into a container with better drainage holes. Use a well draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand to improve airflow.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fairy flax

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 plant is likely too far gone to save. It is normal for the plant to wilt slightly if it has been very hot, but it should recover after watering.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top surface of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent standing water.

Fairy flax: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fairy flax 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 away the mushy, dark roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the majority of the root system is black and slimy, it is usually best to start over.
How often should I check the soil?: Check the soil every 3 days to see if it needs water. Fairy flax prefers to be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Why is my fairy flax wilting and showing root rot?