Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is waterlogged.
- Check if the plant is sitting in a low spot where water pools.
- Examine the roots for a foul smell or mushy texture.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and the plant will look wilted even when the soil is wet. The roots will appear mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. If the soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or grit to improve drainage.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The plant shows signs of decline despite regular watering. The base of the stems may feel soft or show signs of decay.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 5 to 7 days, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If the plant is in a container, ensure it has holes at the bottom.
Find out what's wrong with your green alkanet
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 at the base or the plant is collapsing, it is likely too late to save it. Minor yellowing can often be reversed by letting the soil dry out.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your soil is well draining and never let the plant sit in standing water. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.
Keep your green alkanet 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 the damage is limited, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, well draining soil. If the majority of the root system is decayed, it is usually best to start over.
- Does this plant need constant moisture?
- It likes evenly moist soil, but that does not mean wet or swampy. Always allow for some airflow around the roots.
More problems with Green alkanet
- Why does my Green alkanet have white spots on its leaves?
- Why is my Green alkanet drooping?
- Why is my Green alkanet growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Green alkanet leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Green alkanet leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Green alkanet not blooming?
- Why are there pests on my Green alkanet?
- Why are my Green alkanet leaves curling?
Back to the Green alkanet guide
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.