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Treasure flower · Gazania linearis

Why is my Treasure flower suffering from root rot?

Root rot is less common for this plant, as it prefers dry conditions. It usually happens when the soil stays wet for too long or the pot lacks proper drainage.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the soil is soggy or smells sour.
  2. Inspect the drainage holes to see if they are blocked.
  3. Look at the base of the stems for discoloration.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The base of the stems turns mushy or black, and the plant begins to collapse despite the soil being wet.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any brown, slimy roots with clean scissors. Repot into fresh, well draining cactus mix and wait a few days before watering.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack holes at the bottom.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a container that does.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your treasure flower

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 rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for the lower leaves to occasionally die off as the plant grows.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix designed for succulents.

Treasure flower: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your treasure flower 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 remove the damaged roots, you have a good chance of saving it. If the entire root system is mushy, it is usually best to start over.
How often should I check the roots?
You only need to check the roots if the plant looks sickly or the soil stays wet for more than 2 weeks. Otherwise, leave the roots undisturbed.

More problems with Treasure flower

Back to the Treasure flower 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.