Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. It will take a few weeks for the plant to recover and grow new, healthy roots.

How often should I water?

Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Primrose: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil to see if it is saturated or muddy.
Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
Inspect the roots for a dark color and soft texture.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and limp, and the soil feels constantly soggy. If you pull the plant out, the roots will look brown, slimy, and smell bad.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with clean scissors. Repot the primrose into fresh, well-draining potting mix and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a week, even when you water sparingly. This usually happens if the pot lacks holes or the soil is too dense.
What to do: Ensure your pot has at least one drainage hole at the bottom. If it does not, repot the plant into a container that allows excess water to escape freely.

Find out what's wrong with your primrose

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 entire plant is collapsing and the roots are mostly black, it is likely too late to save it. Some wilting is normal if you have missed a watering, but it should perk up quickly after a drink.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer under your pot after watering so the plant never sits in a pool of water.

Keep your primrose healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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 the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. It will take a few weeks for the plant to recover and grow new, healthy roots.
How often should I water?: Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Why is my primrose wilting and the roots look mushy?