Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
- Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and feel mushy, and the plant will droop even if the soil is wet. The base of the stem may also feel soft or discolored.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top two inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is severely affected, remove it from the pot, trim away any black or mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: This is less common for this plant, but usually happens because the pot lacks drainage holes or the soil is too dense. Water pools at the bottom of the container, suffocating the roots.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a high quality potting mix amended with perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
Find out what's wrong with your mirror bush
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the stem feels soft or mushy at the base, the rot may have already traveled too far. If the plant is just drooping slightly, it can usually be saved with a quick adjustment to your watering routine.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Mirror Bush: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mirror bush 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How often should I water my Mirror Bush?
- Aim for every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait a few more days.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, yes. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh soil, then water sparingly until you see new growth.
More problems with Mirror Bush
- Why are there bumps on my Mirror Bush leaves?
- Why are my Mirror Bush leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Mirror Bush losing its leaves?
- Why are there spots on my Mirror Bush leaves?
- Why is my Mirror Bush growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Mirror Bush leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Mirror Bush drooping?
- Why are my Mirror Bush leaves curling?
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.