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Spider Plant · Chlorophytum comosum

How do I know if my spider plant has root rot?

Root rot is a serious condition caused by soil that stays wet for too long. If your plant looks sad despite regular watering, check the roots immediately.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  2. Gently pull the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots.
  3. Check if the roots are firm and white or mushy and brown.

Likely causes

  1. Waterlogged soil

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant wilts even when the soil feels wet. The roots will look dark, slimy, and smell unpleasant.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and gently wash away the old soil. Trim off all mushy, black roots with sterilized scissors and repot in fresh, dry potting mix.

  2. Excessive watering frequency

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is watered on a strict schedule regardless of whether the soil is dry. The base of the plant may start to turn brown or black.

    What to do: Switch to watering only when the top few centimeters of soil are dry. This usually happens every 5 to 10 days depending on your home environment.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spider plant

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 majority of the root system is mushy and dark, the plant is in critical condition. If only a few roots are affected, you can likely save it.

Stopping it coming back

Use a well-draining potting mix and always ensure your pot has drainage holes.

Spider Plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spider plant 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

Should I fertilize a plant with root rot?
No, do not fertilize a stressed or sick plant. Wait until it shows signs of new, healthy growth before feeding it.
How long does it take for a spider plant to recover?
Recovery can take several weeks to a few months. Be patient and keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy while it heals.

More problems with Spider Plant

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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.