Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is soggy.
- Check the bottom of the pot to ensure water is draining freely.
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will look wilted even when the soil is damp, and the stems may feel soft or mushy near the base. The soil might smell sour or swampy.
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 brown, mushy sections.
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil or takes a long time to drain through the pot. The plant stays heavy and waterlogged for days.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well-draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow to the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your joseph's coat
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 black or mushy at the base, the rot is advanced. It is normal for the plant to droop slightly if it is just thirsty, but it should recover quickly after watering.
Stopping it coming back
Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering so the plant never sits in standing water. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes.
Joseph's coat: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your joseph's coat 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?
- If the roots are still firm and white, you can save it by trimming away the dead parts and repotting in fresh soil. If the roots are black and slimy, the plant is likely too far gone.
- How often should I water my Joseph's coat?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always test the soil with your finger before adding more water.
More problems with Joseph's coat
- Why is my Joseph's coat getting so leggy?
- Why is my Joseph's coat drooping?
- Why are my Joseph's coat leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my Joseph's coat have bugs?
- Why are the tips of my Joseph's coat leaves brown?
- Why is my Joseph's coat dropping leaves?
- What are these spots on my Joseph's coat leaves?
- Why are my Joseph's coat leaves curling?
Back to the Joseph's coat 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.