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Showy milkweed · Asclepias speciosa

Why is my Showy milkweed showing signs of root rot?

It is less common for this plant to get root rot, usually because the soil stays wet for too long or lacks drainage. Check the soil moisture levels deep in the pot or ground first.

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

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Examine the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
  3. Look for yellowing leaves at the bottom of the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Soil Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the soil feels soggy or smells swampy.

    What to do: If in a pot, repot into a container with drainage holes using a well draining soil mix. If in the ground, amend the soil with sand or grit to improve water flow.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The base of the stem looks mushy or discolored near the soil line.

    What to do: Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are completely dry before watering again. Adjust your schedule to water every 10 to 14 days instead of weekly.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your showy milkweed

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 black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. Minor yellowing can often be reversed by letting the soil dry out.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure the plant is never sitting in standing water.

Showy milkweed: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your showy milkweed 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, trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the main stem is soft, the plant is likely beyond saving.
How often should I water to prevent rot?
Water deeply every 7 to 14 days, but only if the soil feels dry to the touch. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.

More problems with Showy milkweed

Back to the Showy milkweed 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.