Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Lift the plant to see if the roots look brown and slimy.
- Check that the drainage holes are not clogged.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for more than two weeks and the base of the stems turns dark or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil after trimming away the black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the drainage holes are blocked.
What to do: Ensure your pot has at least one large drainage hole at the bottom. Use a cactus or succulent mix to improve aeration around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your broom
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 turning black at the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for the soil to be damp right after a scheduled watering.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the top inch of soil dry out before adding more water and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your broom healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- You can save it if you catch it early by removing the rotted roots and repotting. If the rot has reached the main stem, it is usually too late.
- How often should I check for root rot?
- Check whenever you water by ensuring the soil isn't staying wet for too long.
More problems with Broom
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.