Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil feels wet or soggy to the touch.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Gently lift the plant to see if the roots look brown or slimy.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering. The base of the stems may look dark or soft.
What to do: Repot the plant into a gritty, fast draining mix with plenty of perlite or sand. Ensure the pot has large drainage holes at the bottom.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and the plant feels heavy. The soil surface never gets a chance to dry out.
What to do: Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry before watering again. Stick to a schedule of every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat.
When to worry
If the base of the stems is black and mushy, the rot has likely reached the crown and the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a specialized alpine or cactus soil mix that allows water to pass through quickly.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your edelweiss.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, trim away the black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. Keep it in a bright spot and do not water for a few days.
- How often should I water my Edelweiss?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only if the soil is dry. Always err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
More problems with Edelweiss
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.