How often should I water my Myrtle?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Never let it sit in a saucer of standing water.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, yes. If the majority of the root system is mushy, it is often too late.

Common Myrtle: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
Smell the soil for any signs of rot or decay.
Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time, and the plant looks wilted even though the dirt is damp. You might notice a sour or moldy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant does not perk up, gently remove it from the pot to inspect the roots for mushy, dark, or foul-smelling sections.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil or takes more than a few minutes to drain through the pot. This keeps the roots constantly submerged in water.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with better drainage holes using a well-draining potting mix. Trim away any dead or mushy roots with sterilized scissors before replanting.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common myrtle

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 feel soft or the leaves turn black and mushy, the rot is advanced. You must act quickly to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes.

Common Myrtle: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common myrtle 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

How often should I water my Myrtle?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Never let it sit in a saucer of standing water.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, yes. If the majority of the root system is mushy, it is often too late.

Why is my Common Myrtle wilting despite wet soil?