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Geranium · Pelargonium

Why is my geranium's stem turning black and mushy?

Root rot is a serious issue for geraniums that usually happens when the soil stays wet for too long. Check the base of the plant and the soil moisture immediately to see if the roots are drowning.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil an inch deep.
  2. Check the pot for drainage holes.
  3. Inspect the stem base for dark, soft tissue.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The stems feel soft or mushy at the soil line and the leaves turn yellow or wilt despite wet soil.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot without drainage holes, move it to one that has them.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Most likely

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The soil feels heavy and dense like mud.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a well draining potting mix designed for containers. Mix in perlite to help air reach the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your geranium

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 stem is black and mushy all the way around, the plant is likely too far gone to save. If only a few roots are brown, you can trim them and repot in fresh soil.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom.

Geranium: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your geranium 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a geranium with root rot?
If the rot is caught early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. If the main stem is rotted, it is usually best to start over with a new plant.
How often should I water my geranium?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Geraniums prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

More problems with Geranium

Back to the Geranium 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.