Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. Keep it in a bright spot and water sparingly while it heals.

How often should I check the roots?

You do not need to check the roots unless you see signs of trouble. Regular, proper watering is the best way to keep roots healthy.

Kohuhu: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Gently pull the plant from its pot to inspect the roots.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the plant looks generally unhappy. When you check the roots, they will look mushy, dark, and smell unpleasant.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, dry soil and ensure the container has excellent drainage.
Heavy Soil
Possible
How to tell: The soil remains damp for more than two weeks after watering. The plant shows signs of stress despite your efforts to keep it hydrated.
What to do: Repot the plant using a mix amended with perlite or pumice to improve airflow. Avoid using heavy garden soil in containers.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kohuhu

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 if not caught early. If the majority of the root system is mushy, it may be too late to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Never let the pot sit in standing water.

Kohuhu: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kohuhu 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 and remove all the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. Keep it in a bright spot and water sparingly while it heals.
How often should I check the roots?: You do not need to check the roots unless you see signs of trouble. Regular, proper watering is the best way to keep roots healthy.

How do I know if my Pittosporum has root rot?