Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh soil. If the majority of the root system is black and slimy, it is often too late.

How often should I water to prevent this?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil first rather than following a strict calendar.

Fraser photinia: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves may turn yellow or wilt even if the soil feels wet, and the roots will look mushy or dark.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Poor soil drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after watering, or the soil smells sour and swampy.
What to do: If the plant is in a container, repot it into a fresh, well draining potting mix. If it is in the ground, amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fraser photinia

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 leaves are turning black or the stems feel soft at the base, the rot may be advanced and hard to reverse.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

Fraser photinia: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fraser photinia 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?: If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh soil. If the majority of the root system is black and slimy, it is often too late.
How often should I water to prevent this?: Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil first rather than following a strict calendar.

Why is my Fraser photinia looking sick at the roots?