Soil and Root Problems
Healthy roots need air as well as water.
What you may notice
- Water pools on top or drains straight through
- Sour smell or brown, mushy roots
- Roots circling out of the drainage holes
First steps
- Check drainage holes aren't blocked.
- Gently lift the plant and inspect roots.
- Repot in fresh, loose mix if roots look brown or mushy.
Common causes
- Poor drainage
- Compacted soil
- Overwatering
- Old exhausted mix
How to tell them apart
Sour smell and brown mushy roots suggest rot; white firm roots circling the pot suggest crowding.
Common mistakes
- Using heavy garden soil in pots
- Overwatering to fix wilting
- Repotting without loosening old roots
Prevention
Mix organic matter and perlite into potting mix and water only when needed.
FAQ
Can a rotted plant recover?
Sometimes, if healthy roots remain. Trim rotten roots and repot in fresh mix.