root rot
noun
: any of various plant diseases characterized by decay of the roots and caused especially by fungi
Examples of root rot in a Sentence
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This is because poor soil or weak drainage—like using pots without drainage holes, one of many common mistakes of growing tomatoes in containers—can lead to root rot, nutrient deficiencies, and stunted growth, Omelchenko says.
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Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026
An oversized pot holds more moisture than the plant can use, and the soil may not dry down adequately between waterings, leaving the plants more susceptible to root rot.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
The loose, fast-draining structure of sandy soil helps prevent root rot and mimics the plant’s native, rocky Mediterranean habitat.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
Too much water can cause root rot.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
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Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 19 Apr. 2026
An oversized pot holds more moisture than the plant can use, and the soil may not dry down adequately between waterings, leaving the plants more susceptible to root rot.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
The loose, fast-draining structure of sandy soil helps prevent root rot and mimics the plant’s native, rocky Mediterranean habitat.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
Too much water can cause root rot.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for root rot
Cite this Entry
“Root rot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/root%20rot. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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