Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the dead, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often better to replace the plant.

How do I know if the soil is draining well?

If water pools on the surface for more than a few minutes after you water, the soil is likely too heavy. Mix in some organic matter or grit to improve drainage.

Purple Pixie Loropetalum: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for dampness.
Examine the base of the plant for any standing water.
Gently pull on the plant to see if it feels loose in the soil.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The leaves will wilt and turn yellow or brown even when the soil is wet. If you dig down, the roots will look mushy and smell sour.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the plant is in a container, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked and consider repotting into fresh, well draining soil.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks generally unhappy and growth slows down significantly. The soil feels constantly damp to the touch.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 5 to 10 days only when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure you are watering deeply but not letting the plant sit in standing water.

Find out what's wrong with your purple pixie loropetalum

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

Root rot is serious if the leaves are turning black or the stems feel soft near the base. If the roots are already black and mushy, the plant may not recover.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Use a potting mix that includes perlite or pine bark to ensure water flows through easily.

Keep your purple pixie loropetalum 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 save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can trim away the dead, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often better to replace the plant.
How do I know if the soil is draining well?: If water pools on the surface for more than a few minutes after you water, the soil is likely too heavy. Mix in some organic matter or grit to improve drainage.

Is my Purple Pixie Loropetalum suffering from root rot?