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Bugleweed · Ajuga reptans

Why is my Bugleweed wilting at the base?

If your Bugleweed is wilting and the base of the stems looks mushy or dark, you are likely dealing with crown rot. This happens when the soil stays too wet for too long. Check the soil moisture and the base of the plant immediately.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
  2. Check the base of the plant for mushy or rotting stems.
  3. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels soggy or swampy to the touch. The base of the plant turns brown or black and feels soft.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools around the plants after rain and the soil does not dry out within a few days.

    What to do: If the area does not drain well, consider transplanting your Bugleweed to a slightly raised spot. Ensure the soil is loose and well draining.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bugleweed

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.

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When to worry

Crown rot is very serious and can kill the plant quickly. If the center of the patch is mushy, it is often too late to save that section.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure your planting site has excellent drainage.

Bugleweed: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bugleweed 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with crown rot?
If only a small part is affected, remove the rotted parts and improve the drainage. If the whole plant is mushy, it is best to remove it.
How often should I water?
Every 3 to 7 days is usually fine, but always check the soil first. If it is still damp, wait another day.

More problems with Bugleweed

Back to the Bugleweed 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.