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Purple bell vine · Rhodochiton atrosanguineus

How do I fix root rot on my purple bell vine?

Root rot is less common for this plant and usually happens when the soil stays wet for too long, often due to poor drainage. Check the roots for a mushy texture or a foul smell immediately.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  2. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  3. Gently pull the plant out to see if the roots are brown and mushy.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves look wilted even when the soil is wet. The stems near the soil line may appear soft or discolored.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not perk up, gently remove it from the pot to inspect the roots for decay.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes or the soil mix is too dense and heavy.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow around the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your purple bell vine

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 roots are black and slimy, the plant is in serious trouble. If the roots are still firm and white, you can save it by repotting.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.

Purple bell vine: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your purple bell vine 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?
You can try by trimming away the mushy, dead roots with clean scissors. Repot the healthy portion into fresh, dry soil and water sparingly.
How often should I water to avoid rot?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait another day or two.

More problems with Purple bell vine

Back to the Purple bell vine guide

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.