Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.
- Check if the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Likely causes
Waterlogged soil
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks wilted despite having moist soil, and the roots appear brown and slimy. You might notice a foul odor coming from the pot.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized shears. Repot the plant into a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits at the bottom of the pot for days after watering. The leaves may show yellowing or brown spots.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Add perlite or coarse sand to your potting mix to improve aeration and drainage.
Find out what's wrong with your screw pine
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 stem feels soft or mushy at the base, as this indicates the rot has spread to the main structure. If the roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Use a well-draining soil mix and never let the pot sit in standing water.
Keep your screw pine 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?
- If you catch it early and remove all the damaged roots, there is a good chance the plant will recover. Be careful not to overwater while it is healing.
- What kind of soil is best?
- A standard indoor potting mix amended with extra perlite or pumice works great. This ensures the roots get enough oxygen.
More problems with Screw pine
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.