Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and adjust your watering schedule.

How often should I water?

Aim for every 7 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first rather than following a strict calendar.

Neon Philodendron: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it feels soggy or swampy.
Lift the plant to check if the pot feels heavy with water.
Inspect the roots for a brown, mushy appearance or a foul smell.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 10 days and the stems feel soft or mushy near the base.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the pot lacks drainage holes entirely.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a saucer to catch water, but empty it within 30 minutes so the plant does not sit in a puddle.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your neon philodendron

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 are turning black or mushy at the base, the rot is advanced and you may need to take stem cuttings to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top 3 centimeters of soil feel dry and always use a pot with drainage holes.

Neon Philodendron: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your neon philodendron 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?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and adjust your watering schedule.
How often should I water?: Aim for every 7 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first rather than following a strict calendar.

Why is my Neon Philodendron wilting and turning mushy?