Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, change the soil, and adjust your watering schedule.

How often should I water my buttercup?

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

Bulbous buttercup: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Feel the soil 2 inches deep to see if it is soggy.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or mushy, and the soil smells sour or swampy. You might see the base of the stems starting to turn dark and soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without holes, move it to a container with drainage. Trim away any black, slimy roots and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The plant looks wilted despite the soil feeling heavy and wet.
What to do: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom. Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting mix to improve airflow around the roots. Never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bulbous buttercup

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 black and mushy at the base, the rot may be too advanced to save the plant. It is normal for older foliage to fade as the plant enters dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a light, airy soil mix that does not hold onto excess moisture.

Bulbous buttercup: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bulbous buttercup 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, change the soil, and adjust your watering schedule.
How often should I water my buttercup?: Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Why is my bulbous buttercup suffering from root rot?