Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Inspect the roots for a brown or slimy appearance.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil is constantly muddy and the lower leaves are turning yellow or brown.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without drainage, move it to one that has holes.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining potting mix with added perlite. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.
Find out what's wrong with your coleus
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, the rot has likely spread too far. This is a serious condition that often requires cutting back the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always use a pot with drainage holes.
Coleus: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your coleus 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a coleus with root rot?
- You can try trimming away the mushy roots and repotting in fresh soil. If the main stem is mushy, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water to prevent rot?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but always check the soil first. Never water if the top inch is still damp.
More problems with Coleus
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.