Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can try by removing the plant, cutting away all dead roots, and replanting in fresh, dry soil. It is a gamble, but it is worth a try for a beloved plant.

How do I know if my soil drains well enough?

Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy for catmint.

Raceme catmint: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Examine the roots for a mushy texture.
Check the drainage holes if the plant is in a pot.

Likely causes

Poor soil drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The plant stops growing and the foliage turns yellow or brown. The roots will smell foul and appear black or slimy.
What to do: If the plant is in a container, repot it into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the rotted roots. If it is in the ground, you may need to move it to a raised bed or amend the soil with grit or sand.
Excessive irrigation
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains constantly wet and the plant shows signs of wilting despite the dampness. This often happens when automatic sprinklers hit the plant too frequently.
What to do: Adjust your watering frequency to every 7 to 14 days. Ensure the top inch of soil is dry before you add more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your raceme catmint

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

Root rot is serious and can kill the plant quickly if not addressed. If the entire root system is black and mushy, the plant likely cannot be saved.

Stopping it coming back

Always plant catmint in soil that drains quickly and avoid overwatering. Ensure the crown of the plant is not buried too deeply in the soil.

Raceme catmint: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your raceme catmint 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?: You can try by removing the plant, cutting away all dead roots, and replanting in fresh, dry soil. It is a gamble, but it is worth a try for a beloved plant.
How do I know if my soil drains well enough?: Dig a hole and fill it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy for catmint.

How do I fix root rot in my Nepeta racemosa?