Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can often save it by removing the damaged roots and repotting it in fresh soil. Make sure to use a clean pot.

How do I know if the roots are healthy?

Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. Mushy, dark, or smelly roots indicate rot.

American germander: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Gently pull the plant from its pot to inspect the root color.
Check if the drainage holes are blocked.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil remains soggy and the base of the stems may turn black or soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the black, mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil stays saturated for more than a week.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve aeration.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your american germander

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 roots are slimy and falling apart, the plant is in critical condition. It is normal for a few roots to be brown if the plant is very old, but they should still feel firm.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.

American germander: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american germander 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?: You can often save it by removing the damaged roots and repotting it in fresh soil. Make sure to use a clean pot.
How do I know if the roots are healthy?: Healthy roots are firm and usually white or light tan. Mushy, dark, or smelly roots indicate rot.

Why does my American germander have root rot?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your american germander?

Likely causes

Overwatering

Poor Drainage

Find out what's wrong with your american germander

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

American germander: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

More problems with American germander