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African Mask Plant · Alocasia × amazonica

Why is my African Mask Plant wilting despite wet soil?

Root rot happens when the roots sit in water for too long and cannot breathe. Check the soil moisture and the smell of the pot to see if this is the culprit.

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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 soggy or waterlogged.
  2. Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
  3. Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy and the plant looks limp even though it has plenty of water. You might notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not perk up, remove it from the pot to inspect the roots for mushy or black sections.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or takes a long time to drain after watering. The soil remains heavy and compacted.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix with added perlite. Ensure the pot is not too large for the root ball.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african mask plant

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 stems are turning mushy at the base, the rot may be advanced. This is a critical condition that requires immediate repotting.

Stopping it coming back

Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a chunky, well draining soil mix to prevent water from sitting around the roots.

African Mask Plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african mask plant 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 root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, brown roots with sterilized scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water to avoid rot?
Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If it is still damp after 10 days, wait longer.

More problems with African Mask Plant

Back to the African Mask Plant 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.