Read the signs before changing care

Root rot

Root rot is a condition confirmed below the soil line, not simply by a sad-looking leaf. Act carefully: unnecessary root disturbance can also stress a healthy plant.

CHECK BEFORE CUTTING

Inspect texture, not colour alone

Support the plant as you inspect. Soft, collapsing roots or a slipping outer layer are concerning. A firm brown root is not automatically dead.

Illustrated example for a salvageable pothos. Rinsing is not a cure; severe root or crown decay may make disposal the better option. Adjust the base layer to the actual roots.

Root lesson references

What you may notice

  • The mix stays wet much longer than usual.
  • Leaves yellow, wilt or drop despite moist soil.
  • Roots are soft, dark, hollow or release their outer layer when touched.
  • The stem base or crown may soften in advanced cases.

Likely causes

  • Frequent watering before the root zone has used enough moisture.
  • A dense mix, blocked drainage or an oversized pot.
  • Roots weakened by cold, damage or long periods without oxygen.

A calm rescue plan

What to do now

  1. Pause watering and slide the root ball out only when several signs point to rot.
  2. With clean tools, remove roots that are unmistakably soft or hollow while keeping firm roots.
  3. Repot into a clean, correctly sized draining pot and a mix suited to the plant.
  4. Keep conditions stable and avoid fertilizer until healthy growth resumes.

When to isolate or discard

Isolate while you inspect and clean the plant, and do not reuse the old mix. Bag and discard removed material. If the crown and every viable node are soft, collapse is continuing and no firm cutting remains, discard the plant and sanitise reusable tools and pots.

Shop for the cause, not only the symptom

Shop what helps

Choose a fresh draining mix that suits the plant family. Do not add nutrition until healthy growth resumes.

Shop the full collection

Use every product only as its label directs. Patch-test treatments and never combine care products casually.

Understand the next step

Read the wooden moisture probe ↗ Pest and root inspection lessons ↗ All care lessons ↗
Sources and content review

Content reviewed 24 September 2026. Symptoms can overlap; inspection and plant- and product-specific instructions guide the next step.

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