Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, yes. You must remove all infected roots and repot in fresh soil.

Does root rot spread?

Yes, the fungus can spread to healthy roots if the conditions remain wet. Removing the dead material is essential.

Swiss Cheese Plant: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Gently lift the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots.
Smell the soil for a foul, swampy odor.
Check if the roots are mushy or firm.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil smells sour or moldy and the plant looks wilted despite wet soil.
What to do: Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining potting mix. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes.
Excessive watering
Possible
How to tell: Roots appear brown, mushy, and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Trim away all the mushy, dark roots with sterilized scissors. Repot in a clean container with dry soil and wait a few days before watering.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swiss cheese plant

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 majority of the root system is mushy and dark, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you see healthy white roots, there is a good chance for recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a fast-draining soil mix and never let your plant sit in a saucer full of water.

Swiss Cheese Plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swiss cheese plant 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. You must remove all infected roots and repot in fresh soil.
Does root rot spread?: Yes, the fungus can spread to healthy roots if the conditions remain wet. Removing the dead material is essential.

How do I fix root rot on my Swiss cheese plant?