Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
- Gently pull the plant out to inspect the roots.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant wilts despite the soil being wet and the base of the stem feels soft.
What to do: Repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or slimy roots before replanting.
Waterlogged Soil
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil has a sour smell and the plant is collapsing at the base.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings. Use a pot with holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
Find out what's wrong with your edging lobelia
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 in serious trouble. If the roots are still firm and white, it can likely be saved.
Stopping it coming back
Use a light, airy potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water. Ensure the soil is moist but not saturated.
Edging lobelia: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your edging lobelia 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 save it by trimming the bad roots and repotting in dry soil. If most of the roots are mushy, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Check the soil every 2 to 4 days. Only water when the surface feels slightly dry.
More problems with Edging lobelia
Back to the Edging lobelia 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.