Can I save a plant with root rot?

If the rot is caught very early, you can try to improve drainage and reduce watering. If the roots are already black and slimy, the plant usually cannot recover.

How do I know if I am watering too much?

Check the soil 5 to 10 centimeters deep before watering. If it feels wet or muddy, wait a few more days.

Why is my rhododendron wilting and dying? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Dig down to check if the soil is waterlogged.
Examine the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.
Check if the plant was planted too deeply in the ground.

Likely causes

Phytophthora root rot
Most likely
How to tell: The plant wilts even when the soil is moist, and the roots look dark, mushy, or brittle instead of firm and white. The leaves may turn dull green or brown before falling off.
What to do: Improve drainage immediately by amending the soil with organic matter or moving the plant to a raised bed. If the roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil feels constantly soggy or swampy to the touch. The leaves may droop and eventually turn yellow or brown.
What to do: Stop watering until the top few centimeters of soil feel dry. Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage and is not sitting in a low spot where water collects.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rhododendron

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 wilting and the roots are decaying, the plant is in serious danger. It is normal for rhododendrons to droop slightly during the hottest part of the day to conserve water.

Stopping it coming back

Always plant your rhododendron slightly higher than the surrounding soil level to ensure water drains away from the crown.

Rhododendron: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rhododendron 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?: If the rot is caught very early, you can try to improve drainage and reduce watering. If the roots are already black and slimy, the plant usually cannot recover.
How do I know if I am watering too much?: Check the soil 5 to 10 centimeters deep before watering. If it feels wet or muddy, wait a few more days.

Guides to these causes

Root Rot

Why is my rhododendron wilting and dying?