Root Rot: Causes, Diagnosis & Fixes
Root rot occurs when roots are damaged by prolonged exposure to excess moisture, often leading to fungal or bacterial growth.
Quick diagnosis
Prevention is key — ensure proper drainage and allow soil to dry appropriately between waterings.
可能原因
Overwatering
Why: The most common cause. Consistently wet soil deprives roots of oxygen.
Signs to check: Soil stays wet for days, mushy brown/black roots, foul smell.
Poor Drainage
Why: Pots without drainage holes or dense soil trap excess water around roots.
Signs to check: Water sits at the bottom of the pot, soil is compacted.
检查要点
- 1Gently remove plant from pot to inspect roots
- 2Check if roots are firm (healthy) or mushy (rotting)
- 3Note any foul smell from the root zone
- 4Check pot drainage and soil composition
处理方法
- Trim away any brown, mushy roots with clean scissors
- Repot in fresh, well-draining soil
- Use a pot with adequate drainage holes
- Reduce watering frequency going forward
何时寻求帮助
- Most roots are brown and mushy
- Plant continues to decline after repotting
- Stem base is soft or discolored
关键要点
Prevention is key — ensure proper drainage and allow soil to dry appropriately between waterings.
Frequently asked questions
What causes root rot in houseplants?
Root rot occurs when roots are damaged by prolonged exposure to excess moisture, often leading to fungal or bacterial growth. Common causes include overwatering, poor drainage.
How do I fix root rot?
Start by identifying the likely cause instead of applying every remedy at once. Trim away any brown, mushy roots with clean scissors Repot in fresh, well-draining soil Use a pot with adequate drainage holes
Track the problem over time
在应用中跟踪恢复
记录进度，设置提醒，获取AI诊断。
Sources and review
Content last reviewed: September 4, 2026
内容根据公开可用的园艺参考资料编写，仅供教育用途。列出来源组织仅为透明度考虑，并不意味着认可。