Check these first
- Smell the soil for a foul or rotten odor.
- Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
- Inspect the roots for a slimy, dark, or mushy appearance.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the soil emits a sour, swampy odor. Leaves may turn yellow or brown and collapse quickly.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The soil feels dense and heavy rather than light and airy.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with plenty of drainage holes. Use a well draining potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your common agrimony
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
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When to worry
If the stem base is soft and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you catch it early, the plant can often recover with better drainage.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Common agrimony: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common agrimony 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 mushy, black roots, repot in fresh soil, and water sparingly until new growth appears.
- How often should I water my agrimony?
- Check the soil every 5 to 10 days. Water only when the top inch feels dry, as this plant likes moisture but hates being waterlogged.
More problems with Common agrimony
- Why are there white spots on my Common agrimony?
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- Why are my Agrimonia eupatoria leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Agrimonia eupatoria dropping its leaves?
- What are these bugs on my Agrimonia eupatoria?
- Why are my Agrimonia eupatoria leaves curling?
Back to the Common agrimony 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.

