Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is soggy.
- Check the pot for standing water in the bottom.
- Gently pull the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves look wilted even when the soil is wet. The stems near the base may turn mushy or dark.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top few inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Poor Soil Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays soggy for many days after watering. The roots may smell foul or look brown and slimy.
What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining soil mix if the current soil is too heavy. Trim away any black or mushy roots before replanting.
Find out what's wrong with your four o'clock flower
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
Worry if the base of the stem is soft or if the plant does not perk up after the soil dries out. This often indicates the root system is already dead.
Stopping it coming back
Always check the soil moisture before watering and ensure your container has excellent drainage.
Four o'clock flower: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your four o'clock flower 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the rotten roots and repotting in fresh, dry soil. If the stem is mushy, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Water every 3 to 7 days depending on the heat. Always let the top inch of soil feel dry to the touch before you water again.
More problems with Four o'clock flower
- Why are there tiny bugs on my Four o'clock?
- Why are there spots on my Four o'clock leaves?
- Why is my Four o'clock plant drooping?
- Why is my Four o'clock plant getting so leggy?
- Why are my Four o'clock leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Four o'clock plant's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Four o'clock plant dropping its leaves?
- Why is my Four o'clock plant not blooming?
- Why are my Four o'clock leaves curling?
Back to the Four o'clock flower 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.