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Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage · Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

Why is my Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage turning mushy?

While this plant loves water, it hates sitting in stagnant, swampy conditions. Mushy stems or a foul smell from the soil usually point to root rot.

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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 sour or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  3. Press the base of the stems to see if they are soft.

Likely causes

  1. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy for too long and the base of the plant feels soft.

    What to do: Ensure the container or planting site has proper drainage holes. If the soil is heavy, mix in some organic matter to improve aeration.

  2. Overwatering

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil is constantly waterlogged and the plant looks yellow or brown.

    What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to ensure the soil is damp but not saturated. Allow excess water to drain away completely.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage

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 stems are turning black or mushy, the rot has likely spread to the roots. This is often fatal if not corrected immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Never let the plant sit in stagnant water and ensure the soil remains light and airy.

Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage 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 only a few roots are affected, you can trim them away and repot in fresh soil. If the whole root system is mushy, it is likely too late.
How do I know if the soil is too wet?
If water pools on the surface or the soil feels like a sponge that never dries, it is too wet. It should feel damp like a wrung out cloth.

More problems with Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage

Back to the Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage 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.