Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting in fresh soil is the most important step.

How often should I check the roots?

You do not need to check the roots unless you see signs of trouble like wilting or yellowing. Healthy roots are firm and light in color.

Red-veined dock: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul or swampy odor.
Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots look firm and white.

Likely causes

Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet, and the base of the stems may look mushy or dark.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the pot has holes at the bottom.
Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The soil smells sour or moldy, and the leaves are yellowing from the bottom up.
What to do: Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Ensure you are not letting the plant sit in standing water in a saucer.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your red-veined dock

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 turning black and mushy at the base, the rot may have spread too far. If the roots are mostly brown and mushy, the plant is in critical condition.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well-draining potting mix and always empty the saucer after watering to prevent sitting water.

Red-veined dock: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your red-veined dock 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 you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting in fresh soil is the most important step.
How often should I check the roots?: You do not need to check the roots unless you see signs of trouble like wilting or yellowing. Healthy roots are firm and light in color.

How do I fix root rot in my red-veined dock?