Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Gently pull the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Check if the roots are firm and white or mushy and brown.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks wilted even when the soil is wet, and the base of the stem may turn black or mushy.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and gently wash away the old soil. Trim off any black, slimy, or smelly roots with sterile scissors and repot in fresh, well draining soil.
Watering too often
PossibleHow to tell: The soil remains constantly damp and the plant stops growing entirely.
What to do: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
When to worry
If the entire root system is black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save. If you see healthy white roots remaining, there is a good chance for recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a potting mix designed for indoor plants and ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your chinese money plant.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, yes. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry, fresh soil, then wait a few days before watering again.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Most homes require watering every 7 to 10 days. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before watering.
More problems with Chinese Money Plant
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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.