Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is soggy or wet.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Inspect the roots for a dark, slimy appearance.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look limp or wilted even when the soil feels wet. The base of the stem may feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is severe, remove the plant from the pot, trim away black mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot or the saucer for days. The soil stays heavy and dense.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a potting mix amended with perlite to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your dragon tree
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 feels soft or squishy at the base, the plant is in serious trouble. Mild wilting can often be reversed if you catch it early.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the top 2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
Dragon tree: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dragon tree 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
- How often should I water?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Always check the soil rather than following a strict calendar.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, you can often save the plant. If the main stem has turned to mush, it is usually too late.
More problems with Dragon tree
- Why are my dragon tree's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are there pests on my dragon tree?
- Why are my Dracaena leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Dracaena dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Dracaena growing so tall and leggy?
- Why is my Dracaena drooping?
- Why does my Dracaena have spots on its leaves?
- Why are my Dracaena leaves curling?
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.