Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it feels swampy.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels soggy and the base of the stem looks mushy or discolored.
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, move it to one that has them.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface for a long time after you water.
What to do: Repot your lousewort into a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Add perlite or coarse sand to the soil to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your lousewort
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 stems are turning black or mushy at the base, the rot is advanced. It is normal for the soil to be damp, but it should never be muddy.
Stopping it coming back
Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water. Ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.
Lousewort: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lousewort 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 lousewort with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away any black or slimy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my lousewort?
- Water every 3 to 7 days depending on your home environment. Keep the soil consistently damp but never waterlogged.
More problems with lousewort
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.