Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes that are not blocked.
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged or muddy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the grass feels mushy and the soil smells sour or swampy. You might notice the foliage turning yellow or wilting despite the soil being wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a mix with more perlite or grit to improve drainage.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack holes or the drainage tray is holding water against the roots.
What to do: Ensure the pot has functional drainage holes at the bottom. Empty any standing water from the saucer within 15 minutes of watering.
Find out what's wrong with your heath grass
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
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When to worry
If the base of the stems is black and soft to the touch, the plant is likely beyond saving. Some browning at the very tips is normal as the grass matures.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry and always use a well draining potting mix.
Heath grass: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your heath grass 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?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy, dark roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the majority of the root system is black and slimy, it is usually best to start over.
- How often should I water my heath grass?
- Aim to water every 3 to 7 days, keeping the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.
More problems with heath grass
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.