Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stems, it is usually too late.

How often should I water my Spanish Shawl?

Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

Spanish Shawl: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check if the soil is wet to the touch.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The stems feel mushy at the base and the leaves turn yellow or brown. The soil will smell sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a decorative pot without drainage, move it to a pot with holes.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot feels heavy and waterlogged.
What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining potting mix with added perlite. Ensure the pot has at least one large drainage hole at the bottom.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spanish shawl

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.

When to worry

If the stems are black and mushy at the soil line, the plant is likely beyond saving. A few yellow leaves are normal, but widespread collapse is serious.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Use a light, airy soil mix that does not hold too much water.

Spanish Shawl: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spanish shawl 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stems, it is usually too late.
How often should I water my Spanish Shawl?: Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than sticking to a strict calendar.

Why is my Spanish Shawl suffering from root rot?