Root rot is a fungal disease caused by Phytophthora, Pythium, or Fusarium species — all of which thrive in consistently wet, airless soil. It's almost always caused by overwatering combined with poor drainage.
Diagnosing Root Rot
The only way to confirm root rot is to unpot the plant and look at the roots. Warning signs before that point:
Healthy roots are white, cream, or light tan, and firm. Rotted roots are brown to black, soft, mushy, and may smell.
Saving a Plant with Root Rot
Step 1 — Remove the plant from its pot.
Step 2 — Wash the roots gently under lukewarm water to see the full extent.
Step 3 — Cut away all rotted roots with clean, sharp scissors. Cut back to firm, healthy tissue. If more than 50% of roots are affected, recovery is difficult but possible.
Step 4 — Dust cut surfaces with powdered cinnamon or activated charcoal — both have antifungal properties.
Step 5 — Let the roots air-dry for 30–60 minutes.
Step 6 — Repot into fresh, dry compost in a clean pot with drainage holes. Don't water for 2–3 days.
Step 7 — Reduce leaf load. Remove some leaves to reduce the demand on the compromised root system.
Recovery Expectations
Light root rot: good chance of full recovery. Severe root rot (most roots affected): survival is uncertain. Stem cuttings may be your best hope — propagate from healthy stems before the plant fails completely.
