potted_plant
Lavender care requirements
water
Low water needs once established. Allow to dry between waterings.
soil
Sandy, alkaline, well-draining soil. Does not like clay.
light
Full sun — 6+ hours essential.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Lavender
Roots turn brown to black and mushy, often with a sour smell, and foliage greys, wilts, or drops despite the plant's usual drought tolerance.
help
Common causes in Lavender
The Pythium and Phytophthora fungi behind root rot thrive in moist soil — exactly the opposite of the dry, sandy conditions Lavender's roots are adapted to, making overwatering or heavy soil the near-universal cause.
healing
How to treat root rot in Lavender
Remove the plant, cut away all affected roots with a sterilised blade, and replant into fresh, gritty, well-draining soil, ideally in a raised bed if the garden soil is heavy.
shield
Preventing root rot in Lavender
Plant in sandy, well-draining soil or a raised bed, and avoid watering beyond the establishment period since mature Lavender needs very little.