Read the real story in the root zone and soil core to identify overwatering vs underwatering with confidence.
Roots tell the truth
Rot pattern (overwatering): brown/black, mushy roots with a sour smell; cortex sloughs off. Drought pattern (underwatering): brittle, papery roots; soil pulls away from pot walls.
Step-by-step check
- Unpot gently and inspect roots in good light.
- Pinch test: firm & pale = healthy; mushy or hollow = stressed.
- Smell & feel the core of the mix to gauge saturation.
Immediate actions
- Rot rescue: rinse, prune to firm tissue, repot in airy mix (base + perlite + bark), water lightly.
- Drought rescue: bottom-water until bubbles stop, then drain; consider adding moisture-retentive fraction.
