Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is wet deep down.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are dark and mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels constantly soggy and the stems near the base look brown or mushy. The leaves may turn yellow and drop off suddenly.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the soil is waterlogged, repot the plant into fresh, well draining potting mix and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the pot lacks holes at the bottom. The plant stays wet for more than 10 days after watering.
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 to keep the roots out of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your swedish ivy
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 near the soil line, the rot has likely spread to the main crown. This is often the point of no return for the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water. Use a potting mix that includes perlite to improve airflow around the roots.
Swedish Ivy: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swedish ivy 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and trim the dead roots, you can save it. If the roots are mostly mushy, it is often better to take healthy stem cuttings to start a new plant.
- How often should I water my Swedish Ivy?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If the top inch is still damp, wait another day or two.
More problems with Swedish Ivy
- Why are there white cottony spots on my Swedish Ivy?
- Why is my Swedish Ivy getting so long and sparse?
- Why are my Swedish Ivy's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Swedish Ivy drooping?
- Why are my Swedish Ivy's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Swedish Ivy losing leaves?
- What are these spots on my Swedish Ivy leaves?
- Why are my Swedish Ivy leaves curling?
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.