Can I save a plant with root rot?

If caught early, you can save it by letting the soil dry out. If the roots are black and slimy, you must trim them and repot in fresh soil.

How often should I water?

Aim for every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. Your home environment changes how fast the soil dries.

Spur flower: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for moisture.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 10 days and the stems feel mushy at the base. The plant may look wilted even when the soil is saturated.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not recover, you may need to repot it into fresh, well draining soil.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the pot lacks drainage holes. The roots are essentially drowning in standing water.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve aeration.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spur flower

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. You may need to take cuttings to propagate a new plant if the roots are dead.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Always empty the saucer under your pot after watering so the plant never sits in water.

Spur flower: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spur flower 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 caught early, you can save it by letting the soil dry out. If the roots are black and slimy, you must trim them and repot in fresh soil.
How often should I water?: Aim for every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. Your home environment changes how fast the soil dries.

Why is my Plectranthus wilting and the soil smells bad?