Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Check if the pot or planting site has proper drainage.
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the leaves turn yellow or brown. The soil may smell sour or swampy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter or move the plant to a better draining spot.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The roots look dark and slimy instead of firm and white. The plant will stop growing and start to wilt despite having wet soil.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 5 to 7 days. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Find out what's wrong with your black mondo grass
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 base of the plant is soft and mushy, the root system is likely failing. This is serious and requires immediate action to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure the soil is well draining and never let the plant sit in standing water. Always check the top inch of soil before adding more water.
Black Mondo Grass: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black mondo grass 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 only a few roots are affected, you can trim them away and replant in fresh, dry soil. If the entire root ball is mushy, it is often too late.
- How often should I water to avoid this?
- Stick to a rhythm of every 5 to 7 days. Always test the top inch of soil first to be sure it needs water.
More problems with Black Mondo Grass
Back to the Black Mondo Grass 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.