Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil two inches deep to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Check the roots for a brown or slimy appearance.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy and the foliage turns a dull, sickly color.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a mix with more perlite or pine bark to improve drainage.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil long after you have finished watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Never leave the plant sitting in a saucer full of water for more than 30 minutes.
Find out what's wrong with your southern running-cedar
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 stems are black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. Some minor browning is normal if the plant is adjusting to a new environment.
Stopping it coming back
Always allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Use a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for woodland plants.
Southern running-cedar: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your southern running-cedar 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.
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water?
- Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch feels dry to the touch.
More problems with Southern running-cedar
Back to the Southern running-cedar guide
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.