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Magnolia

Is my magnolia suffering from root rot?

It is less common for magnolias to get root rot unless they are sitting in heavy, waterlogged soil. Check the soil moisture levels and the smell of the root zone first.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  3. Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and drop off while the soil remains constantly soggy. If you dig down slightly, the roots may look mushy or black instead of firm and white.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry out completely. If the soil is heavy, amend it with perlite or pine bark to improve drainage for future waterings.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after rain or irrigation. The plant looks wilted even though the soil is wet.

    What to do: If the plant is in a container, ensure it has large drainage holes at the bottom. If it is in the ground, consider building a raised bed or installing a drainage pipe to move excess water away.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your magnolia

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.

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When to worry

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

Stopping it coming back

Always check the soil moisture before adding more water. Ensure your magnolia is planted in well draining soil that does not hold onto excess moisture.

Magnolia: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your magnolia 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.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water my magnolia?
Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat and humidity. Always check that the top layer of soil is dry before you add more water.
Can I save a plant with root rot?
If you catch it early, you can improve the drainage and let the soil dry out. If the roots are mostly dead, it is very difficult to save the plant.

More problems with Magnolia

Back to the Magnolia guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.