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Hedge woundwort · Stachys sylvatica

Why is my hedge woundwort suffering from root rot?

Root rot is a common issue for hedge woundwort when the soil stays too wet for too long. You should check the moisture level of your soil immediately to see if it feels soggy or smells sour.

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

Check these first

  1. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
  2. Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
  3. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves wilt and turn mushy while the soil remains constantly saturated. You might notice a foul odor 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.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after watering. The roots look brown and slimy instead of firm and white.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with better drainage holes. Use a well draining potting mix that includes perlite to help air reach the roots.

Find out what's wrong with your hedge woundwort

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 entire plant is collapsing and the roots are black and mushy, it is likely too late to save it. Some wilting is normal if the plant is just thirsty, but mushy stems indicate a serious problem.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always empty the saucer after watering so the plant never sits in water.

Keep your hedge woundwort healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots with clean scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water my hedge woundwort?
Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

More problems with Hedge woundwort

Back to the Hedge woundwort guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.