Can I save a plant with root rot?

If only a small portion of the roots are affected, you can prune the bad roots and replant in fresh, dry soil. If most of the root system is mushy, the plant will likely not recover.

How often should I check for this?

Check your soil moisture every time you plan to water. If the soil is still wet, skip the watering.

Indian hawthorn: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil near the base for a rotten odor.
Check if the soil feels like heavy, wet mud.
Gently tug on the plant to see if it feels loose in the ground.

Likely causes

Poor drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The plant wilts and the leaves lose their luster. When you dig slightly into the soil, it smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter or creating a raised bed. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Excessive watering
Possible
How to tell: The stems near the soil line look dark or mushy. The plant stops growing and looks stunted.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out significantly. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant may need to be replaced.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your indian hawthorn

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 critical issue that often leads to plant death. If the roots are mushy and black, it is usually too late to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always plant in well draining soil and never water if the top few inches of soil are still damp.

Indian hawthorn: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your indian hawthorn 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 only a small portion of the roots are affected, you can prune the bad roots and replant in fresh, dry soil. If most of the root system is mushy, the plant will likely not recover.
How often should I check for this?: Check your soil moisture every time you plan to water. If the soil is still wet, skip the watering.

How do I know if my Indian hawthorn has root rot?