Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Ensure the pot has clear drainage holes at the bottom.
- Check if the soil smells musty or sour.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels constantly wet or swampy to the touch. Leaves may turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 3 to 4 inches of soil dry out completely. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and never let the tree sit in a saucer of standing water.
Poor soil drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after watering. The roots may smell sour or look mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot the tree into a well draining mix containing perlite or coarse sand. If the roots are severely damaged, trim away the mushy parts before replanting.
When to worry
If the trunk feels soft or the leaves are dropping rapidly, the rot may be advanced. This is a critical situation that requires immediate repotting.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering again, typically every 7 to 14 days.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your flame tree.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How often should I water my Flame tree?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil dryness first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.
- Can I save a tree with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in fresh, dry soil, then be very careful with your next few waterings.
More problems with Flame tree
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.