Pocket Botanist
Check 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.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, 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
- Why are my spider plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are my spider plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there bugs on my spider plant?
- Why is my spider plant growing so long and thin?
- Why is my spider plant drooping?
- Why does my spider plant have brown spots on its leaves?
- Why is my spider plant not producing babies or flowers?
- Why are my spider plant leaves curling up?
Back to the Spider Plant 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.