Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is wet to the touch.
- Inspect the bottom of the pot for standing water.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays soggy for days and the base of the plant feels mushy or soft. You might notice a sour smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil remains waterlogged, repot the plant into a fresh, sandy mix with excellent drainage.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface after you water, or the pot lacks holes at the bottom. The plant looks stunted and the foliage begins to yellow.
What to do: Ensure your pot has at least three drainage holes at the base. Place the plant in a spot with full sun to help the soil dry out faster between waterings.
Find out what's wrong with your wall barley
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 base of the plant is black and mushy, it is likely too late to save it. It is normal for the plant to look slightly thirsty during the hottest summer weeks.
Stopping it coming back
Only water your wall barley when the soil is completely dry, which usually happens every 7 to 14 days.
Wall barley: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wall barley 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?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in dry soil. If the damage has reached the stems, it is usually best to start over.
- How often should I water my wall barley?
- This plant is very drought tolerant. Aim to water it every 7 to 14 days, but always check that the soil is dry first.
More problems with wall barley
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.