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Malabar spinach · Basella alba

Why is my Malabar spinach suffering from root rot?

Root rot is less common for this plant, as it is quite vigorous, but it usually happens when the soil stays soggy for too long. Check the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot first to make sure water is actually leaving the container.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
  3. Smell the soil for a musty or sour odor.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems near the soil line turn mushy or black, and the plant stops growing entirely. You might also notice a sour smell coming from the soil.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The plant looks wilted even though the soil feels wet.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with better drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Mix in some perlite to improve airflow around the roots.

Find out what's wrong with your malabar spinach

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 turning black and mushy, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for the plant to look slightly thirsty if you wait a day too long between waterings.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, and never let the pot sit in a tray of water.

Keep your malabar spinach 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

Can I save a plant with root rot?
If the damage is minor, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh soil. If the main stem is mushy, it is usually too late.
How often should I water my Malabar spinach?
Aim to water every 2 to 4 days. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.

More problems with Malabar spinach

Back to the Malabar spinach guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.