Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Check the soil for a foul smell indicating rot.
- Verify the temperature of the plant's location.
- Inspect the roots for mushy or black tissue.
Likely causes
Root rot
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks limp and the base of the leaves may appear mushy or discolored. This is caused by using heavy soil that does not allow the roots to breathe.
What to do: Repot the plant into a mix of peat moss and perlite or silica sand. Ensure the new medium is airy and never use standard potting soil.
Extreme heat
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves lose their turgidity and sag during the hottest part of the day. This happens when the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do: Move the plant to a cooler location with bright indirect light. Ensure the water in the tray remains cool by keeping the plant out of direct afternoon sun.
Find out what's wrong with your common butterwort
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
Worry if the plant remains limp after the temperature drops or if the base turns black. It is normal for the plant to look slightly less perky during the heat of the afternoon.
Stopping it coming back
Use a light, airy soil mix and keep the plant in a cool, bright spot.
Keep your common butterwort 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 roots are still partially white and firm, you can repot it into fresh, airy soil. If the entire root system is black and mushy, it is likely too late.
- Does this plant need fertilizer?
- No, this plant gets nutrients from insects. Fertilizer can burn the roots and cause the plant to droop or die.
More problems with Common butterwort
Back to the Common butterwort 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.