Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
- Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
- Gently pull the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant wilts even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stem looks mushy or discolored.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a week after watering.
What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand. Make sure the container has plenty of holes at the bottom.
Find out what's wrong with your china pink
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 stem is soft and brown at the soil line, the rot is likely too advanced to save the plant. Healthy roots should be firm and white or light tan.
Stopping it coming back
Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before you add more water.
China pink: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your china pink 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, black roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the stem is already mushy, the plant is usually beyond saving.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait another day or two.
More problems with China pink
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.