Root rot is one of the most serious houseplant problems because it attacks the part of the plant you cannot see. By the time leaves turn yellow, stems soften, or the plant droops, the roots may already be struggling underground.
Quick Answer
To save a plant from root rot, remove it from the pot, trim black or mushy roots, discard soggy soil, repot in fresh airy mix, and water carefully while it recovers. The earlier you act, the better the chances.
Signs of Root Rot
Root rot often starts with symptoms that look like other problems. Watch for yellow lower leaves, drooping even when soil is wet, black spots, mushy stems, slow growth, fungus gnats, and a sour smell from the pot.
Healthy roots are firm and usually white, tan, or light brown. Rotten roots are soft, dark, slimy, hollow, or smelly. If the roots look like wet noodles with regrets, that is your answer.
Why Root Rot Happens
Root rot usually comes from soil staying wet too long. Common causes include overwatering, dense potting mix, pots without drainage holes, oversized pots, and low light that slows water use.
How to Treat Root Rot
1. Remove the plant from its pot. 2. Brush away wet soil from the roots. 3. Cut off soft, black, or smelly roots with clean scissors. 4. Remove badly damaged leaves so the plant has less to support. 5. Repot in fresh, chunky potting mix. 6. Use a pot with drainage. 7. Water lightly and place in bright indirect light.
Do not fertilize immediately. A recovering root system needs oxygen and stability before food.
Recovery Timeline
Mild cases may stabilize in two to four weeks. Severe cases can take months. Judge recovery by new growth, firmer stems, and soil drying normally between waterings.
How to Prevent It
Water only when the plant actually needs it. Improve light. Use airy soil with perlite, bark, or pumice. Empty saucers after watering. If you are unsure whether to water, wait another day.
For related symptoms, see [yellow leaves](/journal/why-are-my-plant-leaves-turning-yellow) and [drooping plant leaves](/journal/why-are-my-plant-leaves-drooping-or-wilting).