Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger one inch into the soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant looks mushy and the soil feels constantly damp or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water.
What to do: Repot the plant into a sandy, well-draining soil mix. Add perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration.
Find out what's wrong with your thyme-leaved sandwort
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the stems are turning black and mushy at the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for the plant to look a bit tired if it has been sitting in water for only a day.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, typically every 5 to 10 days.
Thyme-leaved sandwort: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your thyme-leaved sandwort 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 rot is caught early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the entire root system is dark and slimy, it is best to start over.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry. Never water on a strict schedule without checking the soil first.
More problems with thyme-leaved sandwort
Back to the thyme-leaved sandwort 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.