Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil.

How do I know if the soil is too wet?

If you squeeze a handful of soil and water drips out, it is definitely too wet. It should feel like a wrung out sponge.

Starry false lily of the valley: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Feel the soil two inches deep to see if it is waterlogged.
Smell the soil for any signs of decay or rot.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly swampy and the base of the stems may look mushy or dark. You might also notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with plenty of drainage holes using a fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors before replanting. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The foliage starts to yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet. The plant stops growing and looks generally unhappy.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 5 to 10 days depending on how fast the soil dries out. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water. Ensure the plant is not sitting in a saucer full of standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your starry false lily of the valley

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 turning black and collapsing, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for the plant to look slightly soft if it has just been watered.

Stopping it coming back

Use a porous potting mix and never let the plant sit in a tray of water for more than an hour.

Starry false lily of the valley: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your starry false lily of the valley 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

Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil.
How do I know if the soil is too wet?: If you squeeze a handful of soil and water drips out, it is definitely too wet. It should feel like a wrung out sponge.

Why is my Starry false lily of the valley rotting?