Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is soggy.
- Check the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Inspect the roots for a mushy texture or dark color.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy near the base and the plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet. 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. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil remains soggy for more than a few days after watering. The roots appear dark, slimy, or black instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any mushy or blackened roots with sterilized scissors before replanting.
Find out what's wrong with your st. john's wort
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 mushy and the stems are collapsing, the plant may be too far gone to save. It is normal for a few older roots to die back during repotting.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Use a gritty, well draining soil mix to prevent moisture from sitting around the roots.
St. John's wort: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your st. john's wort 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.
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the damaged roots, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.
- How often should I water my St. John's wort?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always check the soil rather than sticking to a strict calendar.
More problems with St. John's wort
- Why does my St. John's wort have spots on its leaves?
- Why is my St. John's wort looking so leggy?
- Why is my St. John's wort not flowering?
- Why are my St. John's wort leaves turning yellow?
- Why does my St. John's wort have brown leaf tips?
- Why is my St. John's wort drooping?
- What are the bugs on my St. John's wort?
Back to the St. John's wort guide
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.