Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often better to start over.

How often should I water my figwort?

Water every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat and light. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Common figwort: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days and the base of the stems may turn mushy or dark. You might notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The roots cannot breathe because the soil is too dense or compacted.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Mix in some perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration and drainage.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common figwort

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 black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is time to worry if the plant wilts even when the soil is wet.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.

Common figwort: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common figwort 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 you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the damage is extensive, it is often better to start over.
How often should I water my figwort?: Water every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat and light. Always check the soil moisture before adding more water.

Why is my Scrophularia nodosa suffering from root rot?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your common figwort?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Poor Drainage

Find out what's wrong with your common figwort

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Common figwort: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with Common figwort