Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.

How often should I water my burnet saxifrage?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil before you pour.

Burnet saxifrage: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the stem feels mushy and the leaves turn yellow or wilt despite wet soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant does not recover in a week, gently remove it from the pot to trim away any black or slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after you pour it into the pot.
What to do: Repot your plant into a container with large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty potting mix that includes perlite or sand to help water flow through quickly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your burnet saxifrage

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 stem base is soft and mushy, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to fade as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes.

Burnet saxifrage: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your burnet saxifrage 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 be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.
How often should I water my burnet saxifrage?: Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil before you pour.

Why is my burnet saxifrage showing signs of root rot?