Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, yes. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.

How often should I water my Kratom?

Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top layer of soil is no longer damp.

Kratom: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil to check for moisture.
Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
Check the smell of the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 4 days and the leaves start to turn yellow or droop. The base of the stem may feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the rot is severe, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away black, mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil or takes a long time to drain through the pot. The pot may lack holes at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow to the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kratom

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 stem base is soft and mushy, the rot may have reached the main structure of the plant. This is often fatal, so act as soon as you notice yellowing leaves.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always empty the drainage saucer after watering.

Kratom: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kratom 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, yes. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.
How often should I water my Kratom?: Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top layer of soil is no longer damp.

Why is my Kratom plant wilting despite wet soil?