Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the moisture level two inches deep in the soil.
- Inspect the base of the stem for soft or discolored tissue.
- Verify that your pot has adequate drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays damp for weeks and the base of the stem feels mushy. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and move it to a spot with better airflow.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after you pour it. The soil feels heavy and dense like clay.
What to do: Repot the plant into a sandy or gritty soil mix that drains fast. Add perlite or coarse sand to improve the structure.
Find out what's wrong with your flowering spurge
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 base is black and mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving. Some yellowing of lower leaves is normal as the plant ages.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top three inches of soil are dry before giving it more water.
Flowering Spurge: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your flowering spurge 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stem, the plant will not recover.
- How often should I water my Flowering Spurge?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Always check the soil before adding more water.
More problems with Flowering Spurge
Back to the Flowering Spurge 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.