Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or waterlogged.
- Check that the pot has functioning drainage holes.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the plant wilts even though the soil is wet. The roots will look brown, mushy, and smell unpleasant.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a container, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The plant shows signs of stress despite your best efforts to keep it hydrated.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Add perlite or bark to the soil to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your clematis
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 at the base and the plant is collapsing, it is a serious issue. You may need to prune back the dead stems to encourage new growth.
Stopping it coming back
Always check the soil moisture before watering and ensure your clematis is never sitting in standing water.
Keep your clematis healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How do I know if the roots are dead?
- Healthy roots are firm and light colored. If they are mushy, slimy, or fall apart when you touch them, they are likely rotting.
- Should I fertilize a plant with root rot?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until it shows signs of new, healthy growth before adding any nutrients.
More problems with Clematis
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.