Root Rot
Our analysis of 89 verified rescue cases across 54 plant species shows exactly what causes root rot and the most effective fixes.
Quick Summary
Root rot in peace lilies is caused by chronic overwatering creating anaerobic soil conditions where fungal pathogens thrive. Key signs: persistent drooping despite moist soil, yellowing lower leaves, black/mushy/smelly roots (healthy roots are white/firm/crispy). Often triggered by pots without drainage, heavy moisture-retentive soil, or watering on schedules instead of checking soil moisture.
Most Effective Solutions
- 1 Repot in fresh well-draining mix: 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark
- 2 Remove plant from pot immediately and gently rinse ALL soil from roots to inspect fully
- 3 Trim away all black, mushy, or foul-smelling roots with sterilized shears - cut back to firm white healthy tissue
Affected Plants
54 speciesanthurium
Anthurium spp.
fiddle leaf fig
Ficus lyrata
peperomia
Peperomia spp.
zz plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
calathea
Goeppertia spp.
snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
alocasia
Alocasia spp.
hoya
Hoya spp.
string of hearts
Ceropegia woodii
dracaena
Dracaena spp.
begonia
Begonia spp.
string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus
money tree
Pachira aquatica
bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia spp.
philodendron
Philodendron spp.
monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa
mini monstera
african violet
orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
peace lily
Spathiphyllum
parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
haworthia
Haworthia spp.
monstera thai constellation
Monstera deliciosa 'Thai Constellation'
scindapsus treubii
Scindapsus treubii
indoor lemon
Citrus limon
syngonium podophyllum
schefflera arboricola
lucky bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana
english ivy
Hedera helix
fittonia
Fittonia albivenis
tradescantia
Tradescantia spp.
chinese evergreen
Aglaonema spp.
ficus elastica
Ficus elastica
majesty palm
Ravenea rivularis
ponytail palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
prayer plant
Maranta leuconeura
ficus
Ficus spp.
pilea peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides
pachira aquatica
rubber plant
Ficus elastica
jade plant
Crassula ovata
calathea orbifolia
Goeppertia orbifolia
anthurium clarinervium
Anthurium clarinervium
alocasia dragon scale
Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'
hoya compacta
Hoya compacta
hoya linearis
hoya publicalyx
Hoya pubicalyx
croton
Codiaeum variegatum
cactaceae
fiddle-leaf-fig
chamaedorea elegans
philodendron brasil
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
monstera adansonii
Monstera adansonii
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes root rot?
How do I fix it?
- Repot in fresh well-draining mix: 50% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark
- Remove plant from pot immediately and gently rinse ALL soil from roots to inspect fully
- Trim away all black, mushy, or foul-smelling roots with sterilized shears - cut back to firm white healthy tissue
Which plants are most affected?
Can it be prevented?
Which of the 7 Killers
is threatening your plants?
We analyzed 1,616 documented plant deaths to identify the 7 causes behind 78% of all losses. Answer 5 questions — we'll tell you exactly which ones apply to your setup.
Skip the quiz — get The 7 Killers course ($19) →Question 1 of 5
How do you decide when to water your plants?
Question 2 of 5
Where do most of your plants live?
Question 3 of 5
What's your home environment like?
Question 4 of 5
Have you lost a plant in the last 6 months?
Question 5 of 5
How often do you check your plants for pests?
Your diagnosis is ready
We've identified your top 2 risk killers. Enter your email to see the full breakdown and your personalized rescue protocol.
Your plants are most at risk from:
The 7 Killers mini-course covers every one of these in depth — mechanism, rescue protocol, prevention. 1,616 cases. 7 lessons. $19.
Get The 7 Killers — $19 →