Saving a Jasmine from Root Rot: Repotting and Watering Reset

From Daily Watering to Dry-Down Cycles: Jasmine Recovery

Jasmine bought in June, morning sun, kept moist, fertilized weekly. Now leaves drying, dropping, new growth drooping.

Diagnosis: Saturated Roots

"Keep moist" ≠ constant wet. Weekly fertilizing = salt buildup. Roots suffocated → droop, drop.

Rescue Steps

1. Unpot, check roots: Brown/mushy = rot. Trim dead roots.
2. Repot: New container, 2 inches gravel bottom, fresh potting mix.
3. Location: Morning sun, dappled afternoon shade.
4. Watering: Finger test every other day—water only when dry at fingertip.
5. Fertilize: Monthly, half-strength. Stop weekly feeding.
6. Mulch to slow drying.

Key Principle

Plants signal thirst by slight wilting—water then. Overwatering causes irreversible root damage; underwatering is quickly reversible.