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Love lies bleeding · Amaranthus caudatus

Why is my Love lies bleeding plant wilting and rotting?

Root rot is a serious issue for Amaranthus caudatus that usually stems from soggy soil. Check the drainage holes in your pot first to ensure water is not pooling at the bottom.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil feels soggy or swampy to the touch.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to see if they are blocked.
  3. Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems feel mushy near the soil line and the leaves turn soft or brown. You might also notice a sour smell coming from the potting mix.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a week after watering. The plant looks stunted and fails to grow even during the peak of summer.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with plenty of drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow around the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your love lies bleeding

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 has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is time to start over with a new plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage to keep roots healthy.

Love lies bleeding: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your love lies bleeding 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?
If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the stem base is already soft, it is usually too late.
How often should I water my plant?
Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

More problems with Love lies bleeding

Back to the Love lies bleeding 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.