Should I water more if the leaves droop?

No, drooping often indicates root rot from overwatering. Check the soil moisture before adding more water.

What soil is best to prevent rot?

Use a sandy, fast draining potting mix. Adding perlite or grit helps ensure water moves through the soil quickly.

Garden star of Bethlehem: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil two inches deep to see if it is soggy.
Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
Smell the soil for a musty or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy and the soil has a sour or swampy smell. Leaves may turn yellow and collapse at the base.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the plant from its pot. Trim away any brown, slimy roots and repot into fresh, well draining potting mix.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes or sits in a saucer of standing water.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of water for more than 30 minutes.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your garden star of bethlehem

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.

When to worry

If the bulb itself feels soft or squishy when squeezed, it is likely too late to save that specific bulb.

Stopping it coming back

Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings during the active growing season.

Garden star of Bethlehem: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your garden star of bethlehem 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I water more if the leaves droop?: No, drooping often indicates root rot from overwatering. Check the soil moisture before adding more water.
What soil is best to prevent rot?: Use a sandy, fast draining potting mix. Adding perlite or grit helps ensure water moves through the soil quickly.

Why does my Garden star of Bethlehem have root rot?