Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil feels soggy or smells sour.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Gently lift the plant to see if the roots look brown and slimy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the base of the plant feels soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix to prevent moisture from staying trapped around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your common agapanthus
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the base of the plant is mushy and smells bad, the rot is advanced and the plant may not recover. Some yellowing of the oldest, lowest leaves is normal as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Common agapanthus: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common agapanthus and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots, repot in fresh soil, and water sparingly until you see new growth.
- How often should I water my African Lily?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil moisture first. In cooler months, reduce watering significantly as the plant goes dormant.
More problems with Common agapanthus
Back to the Common agapanthus guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.