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Check these first
- Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay or rot.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not clogged.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and the plant will look wilted even if the soil is wet. You might notice a musty smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure the drainage holes are not blocked and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poorly Draining Soil
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays heavy and wet for more than 10 days after watering. The plant growth will stall and the base of the stems may look mushy.
What to do: Repot the plant into a fresh mix containing 30 percent perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors before replanting.
Find out what's wrong with your salad burnet
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 black and mushy at the base, the plant is likely too far gone to save. It is normal for the oldest bottom leaves to yellow slightly as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Use a pot with plenty of drainage holes to keep the roots happy.
Keep your salad burnet 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 Salad Burnet 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 my Salad Burnet?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Always test the soil before adding more water.
More problems with Salad Burnet
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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.