Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the moisture level of the soil deep down.
- Feel the base of the stems for mushiness.
- Verify that your pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the stems turns mushy or black. The plant may look wilted even though the soil is wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty soil mix designed for succulents to help water pass through quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your spotted 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 stems are black and mushy at the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. If the soil is just damp, you can usually fix it by withholding water.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the soil has dried out completely, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
Spotted spurge: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spotted 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
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- How do I know if the soil is dry enough?
- Stick your finger an inch or two into the soil. If it feels cool or damp, wait a few more days before watering.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in dry soil. If the rot has reached the stems, it is usually too late.
More problems with Spotted spurge
Back to the Spotted 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.