Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil is soggy or waterlogged.
- Inspect the drainage holes in your container.
- Smell the soil for a foul, swampy odor.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the plant wilts even when the soil is wet. The roots will look brown, mushy, and smell bad.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If in a pot, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked and use a well-draining potting mix.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays constantly soggy and the plant growth is stunted. You may see mold growing on the surface of the soil.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 2 to 4 days, checking that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Improve airflow around the base of the plant.
Find out what's wrong with your pea
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 and mushy, the plant is likely beyond saving. If the roots are still firm and white, you can save the plant by correcting the moisture.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a light, airy soil mix and never let your pea plants sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your pea 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
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If caught early, you can repot the plant into fresh, dry soil and trim away the mushy roots. If the damage is extensive, it is best to start over.
- How do I know if my soil drains well enough?
- Water should soak into the soil within a few seconds. If it pools on top, your soil is too heavy and needs more perlite or compost.
More problems with Pea
- Why are my garden pea leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there bugs on my garden peas?
- Why are there white spots on my garden pea leaves?
- Why is my garden pea plant drooping?
- Why is my garden pea plant looking leggy?
- Why are my garden pea leaves getting brown tips?
- Why are my garden pea leaves falling off?
- Why is my garden pea not producing any flowers?
- Why are my garden pea leaves curling?
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.