How to save an overwatered houseplant: check the roots, trim and repot

Too much water drowns roots: water fills the air spaces in the compost and the roots can't breathe (RHS). The plant then droops as if it were dry. The fix is to look at the roots, cut off the rotten ones and give the plant fresh, well-drained compost. Below, one example runs from a drooping plant to a repotted one, with a drawing for every step.

Our example: Amira's drooping pothos

Every step below follows one story, and each drawing shows that exact moment. Amira's golden pothos sits in a plastic pot inside a glazed pot cover on a shelf. For a week its leaves have drooped and a few have turned yellow, even though she keeps watering it. She checks it properly, finds the cause and fixes it.

Part 1: Check what's wrong

1. Feel the compost.

   

   In our story: Amira pushes a finger into the compost. It's cold and soaking wet, but the leaves hang limp.

   Wilting while the compost is wet, and yellow leaves that drop, can be signs of overwatering (RHS). If the compost is dry instead, the plant probably just needs a drink.

2. Look for standing water.

   

   In our story: She lifts the plastic pot out of the cover. A pool of water has been sitting in the bottom.

   Water left in a saucer or pot cover keeps the compost wet and can drown the roots, so empty it after watering (RHS).

3. Slide the plant out of its pot.

   

   In our story: Over newspaper on the kitchen table, Amira tips the pot sideways and eases the plant out by the base of its stems.

   Take the plant out of its pot and check the roots (Chicago Botanic Garden). Hold it at the base of the stems, not by the leaves.

4. Check the roots.

   

   In our story: Most roots are firm and white. One side has a clump of soft, dark brown roots that smell musty.

   Healthy roots are firm and white; rotten roots are soft and darkened, and often smell unpleasant (Chicago Botanic Garden). How bad it is depends on how long the roots were waterlogged and how much of the root ball is affected.

Part 2: Trim and repot

1. Cut off the rotten roots.

   

   In our story: Amira snips off the dark clump back to firm, white root.

   If most roots are healthy, trim out the damaged ones (Chicago Botanic Garden). Use clean, sharp scissors and wipe the blades between cuts.

2. Remove yellow and dead leaves.

   

   In our story: She snips off the yellow leaves through their stalks.

   Remove any yellow or dead leaves (Chicago Botanic Garden). Yellow leaves won't turn green again.

3. Repot it in fresh mix.

   

   In our story: Amira bins the soggy old compost and repots the plant in fresh mix in a clean pot with drainage holes.

   Repot in a fresh soilless potting mix and go back to normal care (Chicago Botanic Garden). The pot must have a drainage hole (RHS). For the repotting steps, see how to repot a houseplant.

Part 3: Stop it happening again

1. Empty the cover after watering.

   

   In our story: From now on, after watering, Amira lets the pot drain and tips out what collects in the cover.

   Empty water-filled saucers after watering (RHS).

2. Check before you water.

   

   In our story: A week later Amira lifts the pot. It still feels heavy, so she waits.

   Don't water on a routine; check the pot needs water first (RHS). Dry pots feel lighter than wet ones (RHS). Plants in a cool room need water less often, but central heating can dry them out faster in winter (RHS). See how to tell if a houseplant needs water.

3. If most roots are rotten, start again.

   

   What if Amira had found mostly rotten roots? She'd let the plant go rather than repot a root ball that can't recover.

   If more than half the roots are damaged, Chicago Botanic Garden says you might consider throwing the plant away. With some plants, a healthy stem cutting can start a new plant.

If something goes wrong

Related: How to repot a houseplant · How to tell if a houseplant needs water.