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Japanese Mock Orange · Pittosporum tobira

How do I fix root rot on my Pittosporum tobira?

It is less common for this plant to develop root rot if the soil drains well, but it usually happens because the roots are sitting in water. Check the drainage holes in your pot first to ensure water is not pooling at the bottom.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture deep in the pot.
  2. Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.
  3. Verify that the pot has drainage holes.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel soft near the soil line. The soil stays wet for too long.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out. If the damage is severe, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away mushy roots.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil or in the saucer for hours. The roots are suffocating from lack of oxygen.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow to the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese mock orange

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.

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When to worry

If the stems are black or mushy at the base, the rot is advanced. If only a few roots are affected, you can save it.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer after watering and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Japanese Mock Orange: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese mock orange 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.

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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 water for a few weeks.
How often should I check the soil?
Check the top inch of soil every 7 to 14 days. If it is still damp, wait a few more days before watering.

More problems with Japanese Mock Orange

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This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.