Root Rot

Symptoms

• check_circlePlant wilting despite wet or moist soil
• check_circleYellowing leaves, especially lower ones
• check_circleBlack or brown, mushy stem base
• check_circleFoul, sour smell from the pot
• check_circleRoots are brown, black, or soft when unpotted

Causes

• arrow_rightOverwatering — soil stays wet for too long
• arrow_rightPot with no drainage holes
• arrow_rightDense, waterlogged soil that doesn't aerate
• arrow_rightLarge pot relative to plant size — excess wet soil
• arrow_rightSaucer filled with standing water

Treatment

Remove all rotted roots with clean scissors. Dust cut ends with cinnamon or powdered charcoal (natural antifungals). Let roots air-dry 30–60 minutes. Repot into fresh, well-draining compost in a clean pot with drainage holes. Don't water for 2–3 days after repotting.

Prevention

Never let pots sit in standing water. Always use pots with drainage holes. Use well-draining compost (add perlite). Water only when the top layer of soil has dried out. Choose an appropriately sized pot — not too large.