Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The leaves will turn yellow or brown and the base of the stem may feel mushy. The soil will stay wet for a long time after watering.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and remove any standing water from the saucer.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The roots look dark, slimy, or smell foul when you pull the plant from the pot. This happens when the soil stays saturated for too long.
What to do: Repot the plant into fresh, well draining soil mix. Trim away any black or mushy roots with clean scissors before replanting.
Find out what's wrong with your green foxtail
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 base of the stem is soft and mushy, the rot has likely spread too far. It is normal for the plant to wilt slightly if it is very hot, but it should perk up after watering.
Stopping it coming back
Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before you add more water. Use a potting mix that allows for good airflow around the roots.
Green foxtail: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your green foxtail 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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and move the plant to fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water to avoid this?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.
More problems with green foxtail
- Why is my green foxtail drooping?
- Why is my green foxtail growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my green foxtail leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my green foxtail's leaf tips turning brown?
- What are these spots on my green foxtail leaves?
- Why are there bugs on my green foxtail?
- Why is my green foxtail not producing seed heads?
Back to the green foxtail guide
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.