Plant guide:ðą Mint
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â CriticalWilting despite moist soil ïŋ― a sign of root rot from waterlogged, poorly-draining potting mix.
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Roots
Root Rot in Container-Grown Mint
Commonly affects: Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita (Mint)
The plant wilts and looks generally unhealthy despite consistently moist soil. When checked, roots and the base of stems appear brown, soft, and mushy rather than firm and white.
Potential Causes
- 1Overwatering or poor drainage keeping the root zone waterlogged
- 2Pots without adequate drainage holes
- 3Dense, water-retentive potting mix restricting oxygen to the roots
Solution Steps
- 1Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any brown, mushy roots with sterilised scissors.
- 2Repot into fresh, well-draining potting mix with added perlite or grit.
- 3Ensure the pot has drainage holes and never sits in a saucer of standing water.
- 4Reduce watering frequency, letting the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings going forward.
Prevention Tip
Mint likes consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions ïŋ― use a well-draining mix and a pot with proper drainage to avoid this common container mistake.
