Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and droop even if the soil is wet. The roots will look mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot into fresh, well draining soil and wait until the top inch is dry before watering again.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil stays heavy and dense for weeks. This lack of oxygen kills the root system.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Mix perlite into your potting soil to improve aeration and drainage.
Find out what's wrong with your croton
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 stem feels soft or mushy near the soil line, the rot may have traveled too far to save the plant. Act immediately if the leaves are wilting despite wet soil.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your croton 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then water sparingly until new growth appears.
- How often should I water to avoid this?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If it is still damp, wait a few more days.
More problems with Croton
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.