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Calico Plant · Alternanthera bettzickiana

Why is my Calico Plant wilting and showing root rot?

Root rot is a serious issue for your Calico Plant that usually stems from soil staying wet for too long. Check the soil moisture and the condition of the roots immediately to see if they are mushy or dark.

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

Check these first

  1. Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is wet.
  2. Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
  3. Inspect the roots for a foul smell or mushy texture.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels constantly soggy and the leaves start to turn yellow or brown while wilting.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant does not improve, gently remove it from the pot to trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil stays damp for more than a week.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes at the bottom. Use a well draining potting mix that includes perlite to help air reach the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your calico 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 stem base feels soft or mushy, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for a few lower leaves to drop if the plant is just adjusting to a new home.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes to let excess water escape.

Calico Plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your calico 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 the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful not to overwater while it recovers.
How often should I water my Calico Plant?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

More problems with Calico Plant

Back to the Calico 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.