Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check that the pot has drainage holes.
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet. If you pull the plant out, the roots will look brown, mushy, and smell bad.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the pot has no drainage, move the plant to a container with holes.
Poor soil drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays heavy and wet for days after watering. The plant looks stunted and refuses to grow despite regular care.
What to do: Repot the plant into a mix with more perlite or sand to improve drainage. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Find out what's wrong with your wild rocket
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
Root rot is serious and can kill the plant quickly if not addressed. If the roots are completely black and mushy, it is likely too late to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a well draining potting mix and never let your pot sit in a saucer full of water.
Keep your wild rocket healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. However, it is often easier to start over with new seeds.
- How often should I water to avoid this?
- Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
More problems with Wild Rocket
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.