Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger one inch into the soil to feel for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and wilt even though the soil feels damp. You might also notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant does not perk up, gently remove it from the pot to inspect the roots for mushy, dark sections.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The plant looks stunted and unhappy despite your best efforts.
What to do: Repot your plant into a container with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Use a high quality potting mix that includes perlite to help excess water drain away quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your white avens
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the roots are black and mushy, the plant is in danger and needs immediate intervention. It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow as the plant grows, but widespread wilting is a red flag.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage to keep the roots happy.
White Avens: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your white avens 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the dead, mushy roots with clean scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my White Avens?
- Check the soil every 3 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
More problems with White Avens
- What are these spots on my White Avens leaves?
- Why is my White Avens drooping?
- Why is my White Avens growing so leggy?
- Why are my White Avens leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my White Avens leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my White Avens losing its leaves?
- Why is my White Avens not blooming?
- What is eating my White Avens?
- Why are my White Avens leaves curling?
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.