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 into fresh, dry soil is essential.

How often should I water?

Check your plant every 5 to 10 days. Only water when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch.

African violet: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it feels swampy.
Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water can drain freely.
Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots for a foul smell or dark color.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays soggy for days and the leaves feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black or slimy roots. Repot it into fresh, well draining potting mix and wait until the top centimeter of soil is dry before watering again.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the drainage holes are blocked.
What to do: Ensure your pot has at least one hole at the bottom. Use a porous soil mix that contains perlite to help air reach the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african violet

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 center of the plant turns black and mushy, it is likely crown rot and may be too far gone to save. Mild wilting can often be reversed if you catch it early.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the top centimeter of soil dry out before watering. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

African violet: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african violet 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 into fresh, dry soil is essential.
How often should I water?: Check your plant every 5 to 10 days. Only water when the top centimeter of soil feels dry to the touch.

Why is my African violet wilting despite wet soil?