Root Rot
Soft, mushy roots and a sour smell — a plant emergency.
Symptoms
- ✓Lower leaves yellowing and dropping quickly
- ✓Base of stem soft and darkened
- ✓Sour or musty smell from the soil
- ✓Roots that are brown, black, or mushy instead of firm and white
Causes
- Chronic overwatering
- Pot with no drainage holes
- Compacted, water-holding soil
- Cold temperatures slowing water uptake
Treatment
- 01Unpot the plant and gently wash the soil off the roots.
- 02Trim away every soft, dark, or smelly root with clean scissors.
- 03Cut off any mushy stems back to healthy tissue.
- 04Repot in fresh, gritty, fast-draining mix in a clean pot with drainage.
- 05Water sparingly until you see new growth.
Prevention
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Choose a well-draining mix — add perlite or bark for chunky texture.
- Let the top of the soil dry between waterings for most plants.
- Keep plants warm; cold slows evaporation and encourages rot.
Commonly affects
FAQ
Can a plant recover from root rot?+
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim off all rotten roots, repot, and reduce watering.
How do I know if roots are healthy?+
Healthy roots are firm and pale — usually white or light tan. Rotten roots are brown, black, and fall apart when touched.
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