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Anthurium · Anthurium andraeanum

Why is my Flamingo Flower wilting and yellowing?

Root rot is the most common issue for Anthuriums and usually happens when the soil stays too wet for too long. Check the soil moisture and the drainage holes in your pot first.

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

Check these first

  1. Feel the top inch of soil for moisture.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  3. Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or foul smell.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels soggy and the leaves turn yellow or mushy at the base.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil stays wet, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the pot lacks holes at the bottom.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Empty the saucer 15 minutes after watering so the roots never sit in standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your anthurium

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 is advanced and you must act fast to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before adding more water.

Anthurium: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your anthurium 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 black, mushy roots with clean scissors and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water?
Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch feels dry.

More problems with Anthurium

Back to the Anthurium 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.