Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Smell the soil for a musty or rotten scent.
- Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are mushy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves will droop and turn yellow even if the soil is wet. The roots will look mushy and dark instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on top of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot may lack holes, trapping excess moisture at the bottom.
What to do: Switch to a pot with drainage holes immediately. Add perlite to your potting mix to improve airflow and drainage.
When to worry
If the roots are mostly black and mushy, the plant is in serious trouble. If only a few roots are affected, you can save it with a quick repot.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Never let your Umbrella Tree sit in a saucer of standing water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your umbrella tree.
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
- How often should I water my Umbrella Tree?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil dryness first. Never water on a strict schedule.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then wait a few days before watering again.
More problems with Umbrella Tree
Back to the Umbrella Tree 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.