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Flamingo Flower · Anthurium

Why is my Flamingo flower wilting and the roots look mushy?

Root rot is a common issue for Anthuriums when they sit in soggy soil for too long. The roots lose their ability to take up water, which makes the plant look sad even if the soil is wet. Check the roots first to see if they are firm and white or soft and brown.

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

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger 3 centimeters into the soil to check for moisture.
  2. Lift the plant out of the pot to inspect the roots for a brown or slimy appearance.
  3. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays damp for more than 10 days and the leaves turn yellow or mushy.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 centimeters of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the pot lacks drainage holes.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. Use a chunky mix with perlite or orchid bark to help air reach the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your flamingo flower

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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant is in serious trouble. A few soft roots can be trimmed away, but total decay is often fatal.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes.

Flamingo Flower: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your flamingo flower 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 dead roots with clean scissors and repot in fresh, dry soil.
How often should I water my Anthurium?
Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil feel dry.

More problems with Flamingo Flower

Back to the Flamingo Flower 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.