Can I save a plant with root rot?

You can try by trimming the dead roots and repotting, but success depends on how much healthy root system remains.

How often should I check for rot?

Check whenever you water. If the soil is still wet after 7 days, you are watering too frequently.

Corn speedwell: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Inspect the roots for a dark, slimy appearance.
Check if the pot has functional drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the base of the stem feels soft or mushy. The soil stays wet for a long time.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the damage is severe, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the bottom of the pot for days. The roots cannot get enough oxygen.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow around the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your corn speedwell

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 stem base is black and mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for the soil to be damp after a fresh watering, but it should not stay saturated.

Stopping it coming back

Always check the top inch of soil before watering and ensure your container drains excess water freely.

Corn speedwell: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your corn speedwell 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 try by trimming the dead roots and repotting, but success depends on how much healthy root system remains.
How often should I check for rot?: Check whenever you water. If the soil is still wet after 7 days, you are watering too frequently.

Why is my corn speedwell suffering from root rot?