Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the top inch of soil to see if it is soggy.
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
- Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the stems feel soft or mushy near the base. The soil often smells sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not perk up in 2 days, gently lift it to inspect the roots for dark, slimy sections.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The pot lacks holes or the soil is too dense.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your herb robert
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 all the way to the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for a few lower leaves to drop as the plant matures.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and ensure your pot has excellent drainage.
Keep your herb robert 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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors and repot in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my Herb Robert?
- Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
More problems with Herb Robert
- Why are my Herb Robert leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there white spots on my Herb Robert?
- Why is my Herb Robert drooping?
- Why is my Herb Robert growing tall and thin?
- Why are the tips of my Herb Robert leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Herb Robert dropping leaves?
- Why is my Herb Robert not blooming?
- Are there bugs on my Herb Robert?
- Why are my Herb Robert leaves curling?
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.