Symptoms
- check_circleYellowing lower leaves
- check_circleSoft, mushy stem base
- check_circleWilting despite wet soil
- check_circleMould or algae on the soil surface
- check_circleSour or musty smell from the pot
- check_circleBrown, mushy roots when inspected
Causes
- arrow_rightWatering on a fixed schedule regardless of soil moisture
- arrow_rightPot without drainage holes
- arrow_rightDense soil that retains too much moisture
- arrow_rightOversized pot holding more water than roots can absorb
- arrow_rightReduced watering needs in winter not accounted for
How to Diagnose
Push your finger 2–3 cm into the soil. If it's still moist or wet, the plant doesn't need water. Overwatering signs compound over time — a single overwatering rarely causes immediate harm, but chronic overwatering leads to root rot.
Treatment
Stop watering. Let the soil dry out. If root rot is present (black, mushy roots): unpot, trim rotted roots, repot into fresh dry compost, and hold off on watering for a few days. Improve drainage if necessary.
Prevention
Always check soil moisture before watering. Use pots with drainage holes. Mix perlite into soil for better drainage. Water less in autumn and winter. Learn the specific watering needs of each plant species.
Affected Plants
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