Plant Care

Monstera Root Rot: Emergency Rescue Guide

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Save your dying monstera from root rot with this emergency rescue protocol. Step-by-step root inspection, trimming, and recovery timeline.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

October 30, 2025

Hands removing black rotted roots from monstera root ball during emergency rescue procedure — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Monstera root rot requires immediate unpotting, trimming all black/mushy roots, and hydrogen peroxide treatment. Repot in fresh soil and expect 4-6 week recovery.

TL;DR

Root rot moves fast but isn't a death sentence. Remove the plant immediately, trim all black/mushy roots, treat with hydrogen peroxide, and repot in fresh soil. Most monsteras recover within 4-6 weeks if you catch it early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my monstera leaves turning yellow after rescuing from root rot?

This is completely normal during recovery. The remaining roots can't support all existing foliage, so the plant drops older leaves to conserve energy for new root growth. Yellow leaves during weeks 1-4 post-rescue are expected—only worry if yellowing continues after week 6 or if new growth is also yellowing.

How long does it take for monstera to recover from root rot?

Recovery timeline depends on damage severity: Mild cases (80% healthy roots) recover in 2-3 weeks, moderate cases (50-80% healthy roots) take 4-6 weeks, and severe cases (20-50% healthy roots) require 8-12 weeks. New leaf production typically resumes around week 4-6, but leaves may be smaller initially.

Should I fertilize my monstera while it recovers from root rot?

Absolutely not for the first 8 weeks. Damaged roots can't process fertilizer properly, and excess nutrients can actually burn the recovering root system. Resume gentle fertilization only after you see consistent new growth and normal watering patterns return—usually 8-12 weeks post-rescue.

Can I save monstera cuttings from a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you take cuttings from healthy stem sections above the infected area. Cut at least 6 inches (15 cm) above any brown or soft stem tissue. Sterilize your cutting tools between cuts and treat cut surfaces with hydrogen peroxide. Healthy stem cuttings can root in water within 2-3 weeks.

How do I know if root rot is coming back?

Warning signs include: soil staying wet 7+ days after watering, new yellow leaves developing after initial recovery, funky smell returning from the pot, or new growth suddenly stopping. Check your moisture meter—if readings stay above 7 consistently, you may have recurring fungal issues requiring another rescue.

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Tagged with

#monstera care #root rot #plant rescue #emergency plant care #monstera problems #overwatering damage #fungal infection #plant recovery #repotting #houseplant troubleshooting

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.