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Creeping Charlie · Pilea nummulariifolia

Why is my Creeping Charlie suffering from root rot?

Root rot is a common issue for Creeping Charlie when the soil stays soggy for too long. It usually means the roots are suffocating and cannot take up water properly. Check your soil drainage first.

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

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is soggy.
  2. Smell the soil for a musty odor.
  3. Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil feels constantly wet and the plant looks wilted despite the dampness. You might notice a sour or musty smell coming from the pot.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and trim away any mushy, black roots.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes at the bottom to let excess water escape.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If it does not, move the plant to a container that does or add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the current pot to help with airflow.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping charlie

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 and mushy at the base, the rot is advanced. It is normal for a few older leaves to yellow, but widespread wilting is a serious sign.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots.

Creeping Charlie: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping charlie 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 plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, repot in fresh soil, and adjust your watering schedule.
How often should I water?
Water every 5 to 7 days, but only if the top inch of soil feels dry.

More problems with Creeping Charlie

Back to the Creeping Charlie 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.