PlantPal

Could it be root rot?

If the plant wilts in wet mix, check whether the roots are firm or mushy.

Tomato roots affected by corky root rot; other kinds of rot can look different.
Tomato roots affected by corky root rot; other kinds of rot can look different. Photo: Hanna Friberg (SLU) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to check first

If the plant slips easily out of its pot, inspect the root ball. Healthy roots feel firm even when naturally dark. Soft roots that fall apart, or slip out of their outer layer, are a stronger clue than color.

What to do now

Empty standing water and stop watering while the mix is wet. If only part of the root system is rotten and firm roots remain, trim only the mushy parts with clean shears and repot in fresh, suitable mix in a clean pot with drainage.

What to watch next

Watch the base and remaining leaves. If most roots have collapsed or softness spreads up the stem, keep the plant separate and ask for plant-specific help before trying more cuts or repotting again.

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