Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger into the soil to check for sogginess.
- Lift the pot to see if water is trapped in the bottom.
- Gently pull the plant out to inspect the roots for brown or mushy sections.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow and mushy, and the soil will smell sour or swampy. The stems may also feel soft near the base.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without drainage holes, repot it into a container with plenty of holes using fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The plant looks sad even though the soil feels wet.
What to do: Mix perlite or coarse sand into your potting soil to improve airflow. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer full of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your mandevilla
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, slimy, or falling apart, the situation is critical. You may need to trim the dead roots and repot the plant to save it.
Stopping it coming back
Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Use a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape.
Mandevilla: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mandevilla 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. Trim away the mushy roots, wash the remaining healthy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my Mandevilla?
- Water every 3 to 7 days depending on the temperature. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.
More problems with Mandevilla
- Why are there bugs on my Brazilian jasmine?
- Why are the leaves on my Brazilian jasmine turning yellow?
- Why is my Mandevilla drooping?
- Why is my Mandevilla not blooming?
- Why is my Mandevilla growing so leggy?
- Why are my Mandevilla's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Mandevilla losing its leaves?
- What are these spots on my Mandevilla leaves?
- Why are my Mandevilla 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.