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Night blooming jasmine · Cestrum nocturnum

Why is my night blooming jasmine wilting?

Wilting despite moist soil is a classic sign of root rot. This fungal issue happens when roots sit in water for too long and cannot breathe.

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

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot is sitting in a saucer of standing water.
  3. Gently pull the plant out to inspect the roots for mushiness.

Likely causes

  1. Excessive watering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil smells sour and the plant looks limp even when the soil is wet.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, mushy roots. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil and wait a few days before watering.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes. Add perlite to your potting mix to improve airflow around the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your night blooming jasmine

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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you catch it early, it can recover with fresh soil.

Stopping it coming back

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

Night blooming jasmine: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your night blooming jasmine 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?
Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the damaged roots and changing the soil is the best chance for survival.
How often should I water to avoid this?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

More problems with Night blooming jasmine

Back to the Night blooming jasmine 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.