Spot It Early

Root rot shows as wilting, yellowing leaves in soil that is still wet, sometimes with a sour smell. The roots turn brown and mushy instead of white and firm.

The Rescue

  1. Unpot and shake off the wet soil.
  2. Trim every black, soft root back to healthy tissue with clean scissors.
  3. Disinfect the remaining roots with a quick hydrogen-peroxide drench (1 part 3% peroxide to 4 parts water).
  4. Repot into fresh, dry, gritty soil in a clean pot with drainage.
  5. Do not water for about a week; let the cut roots callus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the yellow leaves turn green again?

A:

No -- they are spent. New growth from the crown is your sign of recovery.

Q: Can I save a plant with no roots left?

A:

Sometimes; nestle the crown on barely-moist soil and hope for new roots.

Q: How do I avoid it next time?

A:

Water only when the soil is truly dry and always use a free-draining mix.

Rot is almost always a watering problem, not a plant problem. Our watering calculator keeps you honest.