Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and there are still some firm, white roots left, you can save it. Repotting into fresh soil is the best chance for recovery.

How often should I water to prevent rot?

Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Sweet violet: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Press the soil to see if it is waterlogged.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look limp and yellow, and the base of the stem feels mushy. If you pull the plant out, the roots will be brown, slimy, and smell bad.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black or mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The plant stays heavy and wet for more than a week.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Add perlite to your soil mix to improve aeration and drainage.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sweet 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 plant is collapsing and the stems are turning black, it is likely too late to save. Minor wilting that recovers after watering is just a sign of thirst.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Never let your sweet violet sit in a saucer of standing water.

Sweet violet: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet 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?: If you catch it early and there are still some firm, white roots left, you can save it. Repotting into fresh soil is the best chance for recovery.
How often should I water to prevent rot?: Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Why is my sweet violet wilting and showing root rot?