Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, use fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.

How often should I water to prevent this?

Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than relying on a strict calendar.

Is my Tibouchina suffering from root rot? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil feels soggy or smells sour.
Confirm that your pot has drainage holes.
Observe if the leaves are wilting despite wet soil.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and wilt even if the soil is wet. If you pull the plant out of its pot, the roots will look mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out significantly. If the rot is advanced, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the dead roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The pot may lack drainage holes, causing water to pool at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a container that allows excess water to escape freely.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your princess flower

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

It is serious if the base of the stem feels soft or mushy, as this indicates the rot has moved up from the roots. If the plant is just slightly drooping, it usually recovers with better drainage.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Princess Flower: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your princess flower 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?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, use fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
How often should I water to prevent this?: Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than relying on a strict calendar.

Is my Tibouchina suffering from root rot?