Plant Problem Lab
Aglaonema profile

Plant + symptom guide

Aglaonema root rot

Root rot is more likely when decline comes with wet soil, sour smell, mushy roots, soft stems, or a sealed pot. It is worth checking carefully before repotting.

For aglaonema, read this symptom alongside how the plant usually behaves: Aglaonemas tolerate moderate light but yellow from wet soil, cold drafts, or low light. Pink and variegated types often need brighter filtered light.

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Possible causes

overwateringno drainagedense soillow light plus slow dryingoverwatering or slow-drying soiltemperature or draft stress

What to check

Smell the soil and look for sour or swampy odor.

Slide the root ball out only if decline is severe or the pot has no drainage.

Check for brown, mushy roots versus firm pale roots.

Check if yellowing follows cold exposure or winter watering.

Confirm the pot drains before adding more water.

Evergreen diagnosis

Aglaonema root rot starts with cold, wet, slow soil

Aglaonemas are tolerant houseplants, but they are not swamp plants. Root rot usually appears when low light, cool rooms, dense mix, or a sealed decorative pot keeps the roots wet too long.

The top may show yellow leaves, drooping that does not rebound, soft stem bases, or a sour pot. By the time those signs show together, the question is how much firm root and stem tissue remains.

Inspect when wet symptoms stack up

One yellow leaf does not require a root inspection. Yellowing plus a heavy pot, sour smell, soft stems, or persistent droop does.

Slide the plant out carefully and look for firm pale roots versus brown mushy roots. Remove dead roots and old wet mix that clings around the crown.

Recovery needs warmth before water

After trimming rot, use a draining mix and a pot that matches the remaining root ball. Too much fresh soil around weak roots stays wet and slows recovery.

Keep the plant warm in medium to bright indirect light and water only after the upper mix dries. New firm growth is a better recovery signal than old yellow leaves changing back.

Careful next steps for Aglaonema

  1. Step 1

    Isolate the plant if rot is severe or pests are also present.

  2. Step 2

    Trim dead roots and repot into a faster-draining mix if roots are mushy.

  3. Step 3

    Do not fertilize while roots are recovering.

Related symptoms

Other Aglaonema symptoms to check

Aglaonema yellow leavesYellow leaves make more sense when you check which leaves changed, how wet the soil is, light level, drainage, and recent care changes.Open guideAglaonema droopingDrooping can mean dry soil, wet roots, heat, cold, or repotting shock. The plant name changes how you should read it.Open guideAglaonema brown tipsBrown tips usually build after repeated small stresses. Separate dry air and salts from underwatering, wet roots, and pest damage.Open guide

Useful reading

Read next for this problem

Overwatered Plant Signs plant symptom example
Watering Problems7 min read

Overwatered Plant Signs

An overwatered plant often looks thirsty. Wet soil, yellow lower leaves, drooping, fungus gnats, and soft stems are stronger clues than one symptom alone.

Read the guide