Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check if the crown is buried under the soil.
- Feel the soil moisture one inch below the surface.
- Inspect the base of the plant for mushy tissue.
Likely causes
Crown Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the leaves collapse or detach easily. You might notice the crown is buried beneath the soil line.
What to do: Lift the plant and replant it so the crown sits just above the soil surface. Improve drainage by adding compost or grit to the surrounding soil.
Extreme Drought
PossibleHow to tell: Leaves become crispy and brittle before falling off. The soil feels bone dry several inches down.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until moisture reaches the root zone. Maintain a schedule of watering every 3 to 7 days when the top inch of soil is dry.
Find out what's wrong with your coral bells
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 plant is collapsing or the crown is rotting, the plant may be beyond saving. It is normal for a few older leaves to die back during winter or early spring.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant your Heuchera with the crown slightly elevated above the soil level to ensure water drains away from the center.
Keep your coral bells 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
- Should I pull off the dead leaves?
- Yes, gently remove any dead or detached leaves to keep the plant tidy and prevent fungal issues.
- Can my plant recover from crown rot?
- If caught early and the roots are still firm, replanting higher in well draining soil can help it recover.
More problems with Coral Bells
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.