Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture at a depth of 2 inches.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Gently tug the plant to see if it is loose in the ground.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels soggy, and the base of the plant looks mushy or discolored.
What to do: Improve drainage by amending the soil with grit or sand. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the plant wilts even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the roots are black and slimy, you may need to dig up the plant and trim away the dead roots before replanting in fresh, dry soil.
Find out what's wrong with your maiden 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 base of the stems is black and mushy, the rot is advanced. If only a few roots are affected, you can save it with better drainage.
Stopping it coming back
Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water and ensure your planting site has loose, well draining soil.
Maiden pink: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your maiden 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, yes. Trim the damaged roots and replant in well draining soil.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but only if the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
More problems with Maiden 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.