Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early enough. You must remove all infected roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.

How often should I water to avoid this?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

How do I fix root rot on my African Violet? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Gently pull the plant out to inspect the root color.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the base of the plant feels soft or mushy. The soil may smell sour or like rotten eggs.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with clean scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining potting mix in a clean container.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot or the saucer for days after watering. The soil remains heavy and dense.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a light potting mix specifically for African Violets that contains perlite for better airflow.

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 entire root system is black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If only a few roots are affected, you can often save the plant with a quick repot.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry and always empty the saucer after watering so the plant never sits in 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?: Yes, if you catch it early enough. You must remove all infected roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water to avoid this?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

How do I fix root rot on my African Violet?