Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Gently pull the plant out to inspect the roots.
- Check if the pot is sitting in standing water.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or black and the soil stays wet for days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the damage is severe, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the black, mushy roots.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil or the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a potting mix that includes perlite to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your cigar plant
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 roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. It is normal for a few roots to look dark, but they should still feel firm.
Stopping it coming back
Always empty the saucer after watering and never let the pot sit in a pool of water.
Cigar plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your cigar plant 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- You can often save it by removing the dead roots and repotting it in fresh, dry soil. Be sure to use a clean pot.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot, sunny weather that may be every few days, and less often when it is cool. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.
More problems with Cigar plant
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.