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Check these first
- Smell the water in the container for any sour or rotten odors.
- Inspect the roots for a slimy texture or dark brown color.
- Check if the water has been sitting for more than a week.
Likely causes
Stagnant water
Most likelyHow to tell: The water in your container smells foul or looks cloudy. You might notice the base of the plant turning mushy or dark.
What to do: Drain the container completely and flush the soil with fresh, clean water. Replace the water every 3 to 5 days to keep it oxygenated.
Soil compaction
PossibleHow to tell: The soil feels dense and hard, preventing water from moving through. The plant may look stunted and stop growing.
What to do: Gently repot the plant into a fresh, peat based mix designed for bog plants. Ensure the new mix is loose enough to allow for healthy root expansion.
Find out what's wrong with your hare's tail cottongrass
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 has turned black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone. It is normal for a few older roots to die back during repotting.
Stopping it coming back
Refresh the water in your container regularly and use a porous, peat based soil mix to maintain proper oxygen levels.
Hare's tail cottongrass: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hare's tail cottongrass 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 mushy, dark roots and repot the plant into fresh, clean soil.
- Does this plant need drainage holes?
- No, this plant is a bog species and thrives in standing water. Just ensure the water stays fresh and does not become stagnant.
More problems with Hare's tail cottongrass
Back to the Hare's tail cottongrass 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.