How to Avoid Root Rot

Root rot is exactly what it sounds like: the roots of a plant begin to decay. It's caused by soil that stays wet for too long, which creates the anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions that allow harmful fungi and bacteria to thrive. Once root rot sets in, the plant can no longer absorb water or nutrients efficiently, and it begins to decline.

The frustrating thing about root rot is that the symptoms — yellowing leaves, wilting, a generally unhappy-looking plant — look similar to underwatering. Many people respond by watering more, which makes the problem worse.

Root rot almost always comes down to one or more of these factors:

• ✦Watering too frequently before the soil has a chance to partially dry
• ✦Pots without drainage holes, so excess water has nowhere to go
• ✦Dense or compacted soil that holds water rather than draining well
• ✦Low light, which slows a plant's water uptake significantly
• ✦Pots that are too large for the root system, leaving excess wet soil around the roots

Prevention is far easier than treatment. The most important thing you can do is understand how and when to water. Rather than watering on a fixed schedule, check the soil. For most tropical foliage plants, let the top inch or two dry out before watering again. For succulents and cacti, let the soil dry completely.

Always use pots with drainage holes. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then let the pot dry appropriately before watering again.

Soil matters too. A well-draining mix — one that includes perlite or coarse material alongside the standard potting mix — dries more evenly and reduces the risk of wet pockets around roots.

If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots are white or light tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown or black, soft, and mushy. Trim away any rotted sections with clean scissors or pruning shears, let the roots dry briefly, and repot into fresh well-draining soil in a clean pot.

Recovery is possible, particularly if the rot is caught early. The plant will need time and careful watering going forward.