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Creeping Fig · Ficus pumila

Why is my creeping fig wilting and the soil smells bad?

Root rot is a common issue for creeping fig caused by sitting in soggy soil for too long. If the plant looks sad and the soil has a sour or swampy smell, your roots are likely struggling to breathe. Check the drainage holes first to ensure water is not pooling at the bottom of the pot.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
  2. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  3. Feel the soil to see if it is soggy deep down.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 10 days and the leaves turn yellow before falling off.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and trim away any black, mushy roots.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a container with proper drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping fig

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 feel mushy or the plant is collapsing, the rot may have reached the base of the plant, which is often fatal.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, and never let your plant sit in a saucer full of water.

Creeping Fig: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping fig 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?
If you catch it early and trim the dead roots, yes. If the majority of the roots are black and slimy, it is usually best to start over with a new plant.
How often should I water my creeping fig?
Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait another day or two.

More problems with Creeping Fig

Back to the Creeping Fig 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.