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eared willow · Salix aurita

Why is my Salix aurita showing signs of root rot?

It is less common for this willow to suffer from root rot because it naturally thrives in very wet soil, but it can happen if the soil lacks oxygen. Check the drainage holes and the smell of the soil first.

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

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a foul odor.
  2. Inspect the bottom of the pot for blocked drainage holes.
  3. Gently pull the plant from its pot to look at the root color.

Likely causes

  1. Poor drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for more than 5 days and emits a sour or rotten egg smell. You may also see the leaves yellowing and dropping rapidly.

    What to do: Repot the willow into a container with multiple drainage holes at the bottom. Use a fresh, well draining potting mix that still holds moisture well. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.

  2. Overwatering in low light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is kept in a dark corner but watered on a strict schedule regardless of how fast the soil dries. The roots turn mushy and dark brown instead of firm and white.

    What to do: Move your willow to a spot with bright, indirect light to help it process water faster. Adjust your watering frequency to match the light levels, checking the top 1 inch of soil before adding more water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eared willow

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 and may need a total root prune. If only a few roots are soft, you can trim them away and repot.

Stopping it coming back

Always use a pot with drainage holes and avoid letting the plant sit in a tray of water for more than an hour.

Eared willow: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eared willow 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 willow with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the dead roots, wash the remaining healthy ones, and repot in fresh soil.
How often should I water my Salix aurita?
Check the soil every 2 to 5 days. Keep it consistently damp but not swampy.

More problems with eared willow

Back to the eared willow 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.