Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, the plant can recover. If the stem base is mushy, it is often too late.

How often should I water to prevent rot?

Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top few centimeters of soil are dry. Never water on a strict calendar if the soil is still damp.

Orange Jessamine: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and drop, and the soil smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any mushy, black roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer of standing water. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to increase aeration.

Find out what's wrong with your orange jessamine

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

Worry if the stems feel soft or mushy near the base, as this indicates the rot has moved up the plant. It is normal for a few roots to look brown if they are just old.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer after watering and wait until the top few centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water.

Keep your orange jessamine healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, the plant can recover. If the stem base is mushy, it is often too late.
How often should I water to prevent rot?: Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top few centimeters of soil are dry. Never water on a strict calendar if the soil is still damp.

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