Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the drainage holes to see if water is pooling in the saucer.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay or rot.
- Gently lift the plant out of its pot to inspect the root color.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant stays wet for too long after watering. The leaves may look limp and yellow even if you have not watered recently.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve aeration.
Excessive watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil remains constantly wet and the plant shows signs of decline. Roots will appear brown, mushy, and may have a foul odor.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and gently wash the soil off the roots. Trim away all mushy, dark roots with sterilized scissors and repot in fresh, dry soil.
When to worry
Root rot is always a cause for concern as it can kill the plant quickly. If the majority of the root system is mushy, it may be too late to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always empty the saucer after watering and never let the pot sit in standing water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your spider plant.
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.
Questions people ask
- Can I use the same soil after treating root rot?
- No, you should discard the old soil as it likely contains the fungi that caused the rot. Always use fresh, sterile potting mix.
- How do I know if the roots are healthy?
- Healthy spider plant roots are thick, fleshy, and usually white or light tan. They should feel firm to the touch.
More problems with Spider Plant
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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.