Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the drainage holes for blockages.
- Feel the soil 2 inches deep to see if it is soggy.
- Inspect the roots for a slimy texture or dark color.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels heavy and wet, and the base of the plant may look mushy or discolored.
What to do: Repot the daylily into a container with plenty of drainage holes. Use a well draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand to improve airflow.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is constantly wet.
What to do: Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Adjust your schedule to water every 7 to 10 days instead of more frequently.
Find out what's wrong with your daylily
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 roots are black and smell foul, the plant is in serious trouble. It is normal for a few older outer leaves to die back as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a pot with drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your daylily 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 daylily with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, black roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my daylily?
- Water every 5 to 10 days during the growing season. Always check the soil moisture first to ensure it is not already wet.
More problems with Daylily
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.