Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil, then be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.

How often should I water my wood-rush?

Aim for every 3 to 7 days depending on your home temperature. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.

Many-flowered wood-rush: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Check the drainage holes to see if they are blocked.
Inspect the roots by gently lifting the plant out of its pot.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn mushy and dark at the base, and the soil smells sour or swampy. You might see the plant wilting even though the soil is wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without drainage, move it to a container that has holes at the bottom. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The pot may feel heavy and cold to the touch.
What to do: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. Add perlite or coarse sand to your potting mix to improve airflow around the roots. Elevate the pot slightly on a saucer with pebbles to keep it from sitting in excess water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your many-flowered wood-rush

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 roots are entirely black and mushy, the plant may not recover. It is normal for a few roots to look brown, but they should still feel firm.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.

Many-flowered wood-rush: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your many-flowered wood-rush 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?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil, then be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
How often should I water my wood-rush?: Aim for every 3 to 7 days depending on your home temperature. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.

Why is my wood-rush suffering from root rot?