How to Save a Plant That Has Root Rot

While flowers and house plants sometimes suffer from neglect, all too often they also suffer from too much care. This usually comes in the form of over watering and a disastrous result can be root rot for the flower or plant. Although it is very difficult to rescue a plant that has root rot, if you catch it early enough you can successfully save the plant. Here is how to save a plant that has root rot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First determine if the plant has root rot. The earlier you can determine this the better. Signs include very damp soil that persists for several days, and wilting plants that seem to have enough water in the pot. You may also notice a few leaves falling off of the plant.

2. Once you notice these signs, immediately remove the flower or plant from the pot.

3. Knock away as much of the soil as you can from the plant roots. Now look to see if any of the roots are brown or slimy. Normal roots are white to light tan and very firm.

4. Using sharp scissors cut away as much of the brown roots as possible.

5. Place the plant into another pot with new soil or the original pot with soil that has been replaced.

6. Wait 24 hours before watering the plant again.

Resources

• How to Identify Root Rot