How often should I water my Natal Plum?

Aim for every 7 to 14 days depending on your home temperature. Always check the soil dryness first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the dead roots and repotting in dry soil. If more than half the roots are mushy, recovery is very difficult.

Why is my Natal Plum wilting despite wet soil?

Check these first

Stick your finger 5 centimeters into the soil to check for dampness.
Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotting odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels soggy or swampy to the touch. The leaves may turn yellow or brown and drop off while the stems feel soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out. If the soil stays wet for more than 2 weeks, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black or mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil or sits in the bottom of the decorative pot. The plant looks sad and the soil has a sour or musty smell.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for water to escape. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix that allows air to reach the roots.

When to worry

If the stems feel mushy or the plant is collapsing, the rot may have reached the main trunk. This is often fatal for the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top few centimeters of soil are dry before watering again. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your natal plum.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

How often should I water my Natal Plum?: Aim for every 7 to 14 days depending on your home temperature. Always check the soil dryness first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the dead roots and repotting in dry soil. If more than half the roots are mushy, recovery is very difficult.