Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is wet.
- Lift the plant to check if the pot feels heavy.
- Inspect the roots for a foul smell or dark color.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for weeks and the base of the stems feels soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the plant is severely affected, remove it from the pot, trim away any black or slimy roots, and repot into fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the drainage holes are blocked.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. Use a chunky potting mix with perlite to help water move through the soil more quickly.
When to worry
If the stems are turning yellow and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread to the main structure of the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your chinese evergreen.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then wait a few days before watering again.
- How often should I water?
- Every 7 to 14 days is typical, but always check the soil moisture first.
More problems with Chinese Evergreen
Back to the Chinese Evergreen guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.