How often should I water to avoid rot?

Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top half inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil, then water sparingly until new growth appears.

Maidenhair spleenwort: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Tip the plant out of its pot to inspect the root color.
Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer of standing water.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The fronds turn yellow and mushy, and the soil smells sour or swampy. The base of the plant may feel soft to the touch.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Poor Drainage
Most likely
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The plant looks wilted even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Mix your potting soil with perlite to improve aeration and water flow.

Find out what's wrong with your maidenhair spleenwort

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.

When to worry

If the roots are mushy and dark, the situation is critical. A healthy root system should be firm and light in color.

Stopping it coming back

Always empty the saucer after watering and never let the plant sit in standing water.

Keep your maidenhair spleenwort healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

How often should I water to avoid rot?: Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top half inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil, then water sparingly until new growth appears.

Why does my Maidenhair spleenwort have root rot?