Diagnosing The Root Problem

Root Inspection

Healthy roots are white or light tan and firm to the touch. If your plant is struggling, remove it gently from the pot to inspect the roots. If you see brown, mushy, or foul-smelling roots, the plant has root rot, typically caused by overwatering. Use clean, sanitised shears to cut away all damaged sections. If roots look dry and brittle, the plant is dehydrated. After trimming rot, move the plant into fresh, well-draining potting soil that includes perlite for aeration. Choose a pot with drainage holes; water must never sit in the bottom. If the pot has no drainage, the plant will eventually fail. Avoid using large pots for small plants, as excess soil holds too much water. A pot only one size larger than the root ball is sufficient. After repotting, water sparingly and allow the plant to adjust without fertilising for four weeks.