Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Lift the pot to see if water is trapped in the saucer.
- Inspect the roots for a dark, mushy appearance.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time and the plant looks soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is soggy, repot the plant into fresh, well draining cactus mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the drainage holes are blocked.
What to do: Ensure your pot has at least one large drainage hole. Place the pot on a saucer that you empty after watering so the roots never sit in standing water.
When to worry
If the stem base turns black and soft, the rot may be too far gone to save the plant. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to drop occasionally as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry and always use a pot with drainage holes.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your indian borage.
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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the black, mushy roots, repot in dry soil, and wait a week before watering again.
- How often should I water my Indian Borage?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on the heat. Always check the soil dryness first rather than sticking to a strict calendar.
More problems with Indian Borage
Back to the Indian Borage 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.