Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture with your finger.
- Inspect the drainage holes for blockages.
- Smell the soil for signs of decay.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems feel mushy or soft near the soil line. You might also notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 5 centimeters of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 14 days after watering. The roots may look brown and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or mushy roots with sterilized scissors before replanting.
Find out what's wrong with your common mallow
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 stems are black and mushy all the way to the base, the plant is likely beyond saving. Some leaf yellowing is normal if the plant is adjusting to a new location.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top few centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water. Use a potting mix that includes perlite or sand to improve aeration.
Keep your common mallow 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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the damaged roots and move the plant to fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my mallow?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry.
More problems with Common Mallow
- Why does my Common Mallow have orange spots on its leaves?
- Why are there tiny bugs on my Common Mallow?
- Why are my Common Mallow leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Common Mallow leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my Common Mallow drooping?
- Why is my Common Mallow losing its leaves?
- Why is my Common Mallow growing tall and leggy?
- Why are my Common Mallow leaves curling?
Back to the Common Mallow guide
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.