Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. You may need to prune back some foliage to reduce the stress on the remaining roots.

Does Viola cornuta flower?

Yes, this plant flowers beautifully when grown in cool weather with plenty of bright, indirect light. It needs consistent moisture and regular deadheading to keep blooming throughout the season.

How do I fix root rot in my Viola cornuta? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Examine the roots to see if they are firm and white or mushy and brown.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Possible
How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the plant looks wilted even though the soil is wet. If you pull the plant out, the roots will look brown, mushy, and smell bad.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away all soft, decayed roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and a clean container.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot or the saucer for days after watering. This keeps the roots constantly submerged, leading to suffocation.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Empty the saucer 15 minutes after watering so the roots are never sitting in standing water.

Find out what's wrong with your horned 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

Worry if the entire root system is dark and mushy, as the plant may not be able to recover. It is normal for a few roots to be brown if they are very old or woody.

Stopping it coming back

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

Keep your horned violet healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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 all the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. You may need to prune back some foliage to reduce the stress on the remaining roots.
Does Viola cornuta flower?: Yes, this plant flowers beautifully when grown in cool weather with plenty of bright, indirect light. It needs consistent moisture and regular deadheading to keep blooming throughout the season.

How do I fix root rot in my Viola cornuta?