Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the drainage holes for any blockages.
- Feel the soil depth to see if it is waterlogged.
- Check the base of the plant for soft or mushy tissue.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels like a swamp and the base of the plant looks mushy or dark. You might notice a sour smell coming from the dirt.
What to do: Improve the soil structure by mixing in organic compost or grit to help water flow through. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has holes at the bottom and never let it sit in a saucer of water.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or wilt even though the soil is wet. The roots will look brown and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before you add more water. Adjust your schedule to water every 3 to 7 days depending on the current weather.
Find out what's wrong with your hepatica
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 entire crown of the plant is mushy, it is likely too late to save it. Some minor browning on older roots is normal as the plant cycles through growth.
Stopping it coming back
Plant your Hepatica in well draining soil and avoid keeping the ground constantly saturated.
Keep your hepatica 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?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the crown, the plant usually cannot be saved.
- How wet should the soil be?
- The soil should be evenly moist but never soggy. Think of it like a wrung out sponge.
More problems with Hepatica
- Why does my Common Hepatica have white spots on its leaves?
- Why are there holes in my Common Hepatica leaves?
- Why is my Common Hepatica drooping?
- Why are my Hepatica nobilis leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Hepatica nobilis leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Hepatica nobilis not blooming?
- Why are my Hepatica nobilis 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.