Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting in fresh soil is essential.

How often should I check the roots?

You only need to check the roots if the plant shows signs of distress. Normal maintenance does not require digging up the plant.

How do I fix root rot in my oxalis? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotting odor.
Gently pull the plant from the pot to inspect the roots.
Check if the pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil smells sour and the plant looks mushy at the base. The roots will appear brown and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any mushy, dark roots with clean scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.
Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves droop and turn yellow, and the soil remains soggy for days. This is the most common cause of root issues.
What to do: Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure you are only watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Find out what's wrong with your wood sorrel

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 a serious condition that can kill the plant quickly. If the majority of the roots are mushy, it may be too late to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage and never let your oxalis sit in a saucer of standing water.

Keep your wood sorrel 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.

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 and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting in fresh soil is essential.
How often should I check the roots?: You only need to check the roots if the plant shows signs of distress. Normal maintenance does not require digging up the plant.

How do I fix root rot in my oxalis?