by
Root Rot in Houseplants: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent It (2025 Guide)

Updated: 2025

Root Rot in Houseplants: How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent It

Quick answer: Root rot happens when roots sit in soggy soil and suffocate, leading to mushy brown roots, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To fix it: remove the plant from soil, trim rotted roots, repot in fresh well-draining mix, and adjust watering. For a personalized recovery plan based on your plant type, pot, and conditions, use the AI Plant Doctor Tool.

Signs of Root Rot

  • Leaves yellowing from the bottom up
  • Wilting despite moist soil
  • Soil smells sour or swampy
  • Roots are brown/black, mushy, or slimy

Takeaway: Healthy roots are white and firm. Dark, soft roots = rot.

Causes of Root Rot

  • Overwatering — watering too often without checking soil dryness
  • Poor drainage — pots without holes or compacted soil
  • Cold/wet conditions — slow evaporation, roots stay soggy
  • Pathogens — fungi like Pythium thrive in waterlogged soil

How to Treat Root Rot (Step by Step)

  1. Remove plant from pot and inspect roots.
  2. Trim all mushy, brown, or black roots with sterilized scissors.
  3. Wash healthy roots gently under lukewarm water.
  4. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and a clean pot with drainage holes.
  5. Water lightly, then let soil dry before watering again.
  6. Optional: Add fungicide drench if infection is severe.

Pro tip: Always sanitize scissors and discard old soil—it harbors pathogens.

Prevention Tips

  • Always use pots with drainage holes.
  • Use well-draining mix (perlite, orchid bark, sand additions).
  • Water only when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry.
  • Empty saucers 10–15 minutes after watering.
  • Adjust watering frequency by season—less in winter, more in summer.

Takeaway: Root rot is easier to prevent than cure.

Real-World Example

Case study (2025): A VerdeBotany user had a peace lily with constant yellow leaves. The AI tool identified root rot from overwatering and poor drainage. After trimming rotted roots, repotting into a chunky mix, and adjusting watering to once weekly, the plant recovered and produced new growth within 6 weeks.

Personalize Your Recovery Plan

Different plants tolerate rot differently—succulents, orchids, and tropical foliage all need unique treatment. Tell our AI tool your plant type, pot size, and soil, and get a step-by-step rescue plan.

Try the AI Plant Doctor Tool →

Helpful Internal Links

FAQ: Root Rot in Houseplants (2025)

Can plants recover from root rot?

Yes—if some healthy roots remain. Trim the rot, repot in fresh soil, and adjust watering. Severely rotted plants may not recover.

How long does recovery take?

Usually 4–8 weeks, depending on plant type and how much root system survived.

Is root rot contagious to other plants?

Yes—fungi can spread via contaminated soil or tools. Always sterilize and discard infected soil.

What’s the best soil mix to prevent root rot?

A well-draining mix with perlite, pumice, or bark chunks. Avoid heavy, compacted soils indoors.