Roots can often tell you a lot about the health of your plant. If your plant’s leaves are damaged but the roots are well intact, there is still hope for your plant to survive.
If the roots are white or tan colored, succulent when you pull on them, and have fleshy white tips, then your root system is healthy. Remember, some plants have fine roots and you may need to examine them with care,
Roots that appear to be mushy, spongy, very dark, and not firm are signs your plant has too much water. Overwatering causes roots to lose their shape and turn to mush.
Spongy roots will begin to decompose and smell. If your soil or plant smells mildewy, your plant is dead.
