Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and remove all the infected tissue, you can often save the plant. It will need time to recover in fresh soil.

Why does my plant smell bad?

A foul smell is a classic sign of bacterial soft rot. It means the roots are decaying and need immediate attention.

How do I fix root rot on my Calla Lily? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a foul or rotting odor.
Gently tug the base of the plant to see if it feels loose.
Check if the soil has been wet for more than a week.

Likely causes

Bacterial Soft Rot
Most likely
How to tell: The rhizomes become soft, mushy, and emit a very bad odor. The stems may collapse at the soil line.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and wash away the soil to inspect the roots. Cut away any black or mushy parts with a sterile knife and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Waterlogged Soil
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays wet for long periods and does not drain well. The plant looks wilted even though the soil is saturated.
What to do: Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. Use a potting mix that allows for airflow, such as one amended with perlite.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your calla lily

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 rhizome itself is completely mushy and smells terrible, the plant may be too far gone to save. Act as soon as you notice the first signs of decay.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil surface dry slightly before watering again and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Calla Lily: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calla lily 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 remove all the infected tissue, you can often save the plant. It will need time to recover in fresh soil.
Why does my plant smell bad?: A foul smell is a classic sign of bacterial soft rot. It means the roots are decaying and need immediate attention.

Guides to these causes

Soft Rot

How do I fix root rot on my Calla Lily?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your calla lily?