Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Dig gently around the base to see if roots are firm or mushy.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The foliage wilts even when the soil is wet, and the roots appear mushy or dark brown.
What to do: Improve soil aeration by mixing in organic compost or grit. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has large drainage holes and never sits in a saucer of standing water.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels constantly damp and the base of the stems may look discolored.
What to do: Wait until the top 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Adjust your schedule to every 7 to 14 days depending on the season.
Find out what's wrong with your mexican orange blossom
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 entire plant is wilting and the roots are black and slimy, it is likely too late to save it. Some minor browning on older roots is normal after a heavy rain.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant in well draining soil and avoid watering if the top few inches are still damp.
Mexican orange blossom: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican orange blossom 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?
- If you catch it early, you can prune away the mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stem, the plant will likely not recover.
- How often should I water my Mexican orange blossom?
- Water deeply every 7 to 14 days. Always check that the top 3 inches of soil are dry before adding more water.
More problems with Mexican orange blossom
- What are these spots on my Mexican orange blossom leaves?
- Why are my Mexican orange blossom leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Choisya ternata leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Mexican orange blossom drooping?
- Why is my Choisya ternata dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Mexican orange blossom not flowering?
- Why is my Mexican orange blossom looking leggy?
Back to the Mexican orange blossom 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.