Root Rot in Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic Mediterranean shrub used extensively in cooking
Rosemary care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to root rot in Rosemary. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Rosemary
Roots turn brown to black and mushy, with above-ground symptoms of browning foliage, wilting, and stems that become soft rather than woody at the base.
Common causes in Rosemary
Rosemary's roots evolved for dry, well-draining Mediterranean soil and rot quickly in wet or heavy conditions — this is the single most common cause of losing an established rosemary plant.
How to diagnose root rot in Rosemary
Remove plant from pot. Healthy roots are white/tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown/black and mushy.
How to treat root rot in Rosemary
Remove the plant, trim away all rotted roots with a sterilised blade, and replant into gritty, sandy, well-draining soil or a raised bed. Severely rotted plants often can't be saved.
Preventing root rot in Rosemary
Plant in sandy, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil, and let the soil dry out between waterings — rosemary tolerates neglect far better than overwatering.