Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a foul, swampy odor.
- Gently pull the plant from the pot to inspect the roots.
- Check if the soil feels constantly soggy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems look dark or mushy at the base. The soil smells sour or like rotten eggs.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes or the drainage tray stays full of water.
What to do: Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of standing water for more than 30 minutes.
Find out what's wrong with your jasmine
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 roots are black, mushy, and falling apart, the situation is critical. If the roots are still firm and white, the plant can usually recover with better care.
Stopping it coming back
Always check the top inch of soil before watering. Use a porous potting mix that includes perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.
Jasmine: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jasmine 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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Removing the damaged roots and repotting in fresh soil gives the plant a fresh start.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. Every home environment is different, so use your finger to test the soil rather than a strict schedule.
More problems with Jasmine
- Why are my Arabian Jasmine leaves turning yellow?
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- Why are my Arabian Jasmine leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Arabian Jasmine drooping?
- Why are there spots on my Arabian Jasmine leaves?
- Why are my Arabian Jasmine leaves curling?
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.