Root Rot7 min read
Root Rot Signs and What to Do
Root rot is most likely when yellowing, drooping, wet soil, sour smell, and mushy roots show up together.
Read the guidePlant + symptom guide
String of Pearls 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 string of pearls, adjust the diagnosis around this plant profile: String of pearls usually struggles from too little light, dense soil, or watering before the pearls need it. Mushy pearls are more urgent than a few dry beads.
Most likely causes
overwateringno drainagedense soillow light plus slow dryingoverwatering or slow-drying soillow light slowing growth and water use
How to confirm it
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 whether the crown gets light, not just the trailing strands.
Feel pearls for mushy translucence versus dry wrinkling.
Next steps for String of Pearls
- Step 1
Isolate the plant if rot is severe or pests are also present.
- Step 2
Trim dead roots and repot into a faster-draining mix if roots are mushy.
- Step 3
Do not fertilize while roots are recovering.
Recommended reading
Read next for this pattern
Plant-Specific Guides2 min read
Succulent Leaves Turning Mushy
Mushy succulent leaves usually mean too much water, too little light, poor drainage, or rot moving through the plant.
Read the guide
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
Plant-Specific Guides6 min read
Why Are My Monstera Leaves Turning Yellow?
Monstera yellow leaves often trace back to wet soil, low light, watering swings, root stress, or pests hiding on new growth.
Read the guide
Watering Problems6 min read
How to Save a Dying Houseplant
Before you throw the plant away, separate water stress, root rot, pests, light problems, temperature stress, and normal leaf loss.
Read the guideYellow Leaves6 min read
Yellow Leaves After Watering
Yellow leaves after watering usually mean the timing, drainage, soil mix, light, or root health needs a closer look.
Read the guide