Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil for a sour or rotten smell.
- Examine the roots for a mushy texture.
- Verify that the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant wilts and the base of the stems turns brown or black. The roots will look dark, slimy, and smell foul.
What to do: Gently lift the plant and trim away any mushy, black roots with sterile scissors. Repot in fresh, well draining potting mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for days and the foliage starts to yellow or collapse. The roots are unable to breathe due to constant saturation.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use a moisture meter or your finger to check that the soil is dry 2 inches down before adding more water.
Find out what's wrong with your lady's mantle
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
If the base of the plant is black and the roots fall apart when touched, the damage is likely too severe to save. Act quickly at the first sign of wilting.
Stopping it coming back
Use a light, airy potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your lady's mantle healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. Repotting into clean, dry soil is essential for recovery.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
More problems with Lady's Mantle
Back to the Lady's Mantle 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.