Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches deep.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Smell the soil for any signs of decay.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow or mushy and the base of the plant feels soft. You might notice a sour smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant does not recover in a week, gently remove it from the pot to trim away any black or slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface for a long time after you pour it. The pot lacks holes at the bottom.
What to do: Repot your plant into a container with drainage holes using a fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure you empty the saucer after watering so the plant never sits in standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your ragged robin
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 at the base or the plant is collapsing, it is likely too late to save it. Some yellowing of the lowest leaves is normal as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a pot with drainage holes and wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before adding more water.
Ragged Robin: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ragged robin 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, repot in fresh soil, and be very careful with your watering schedule afterward.
- How often should I water my Ragged Robin?
- Aim to water every 2 to 4 days. Keep the soil damp but never let it become waterlogged.
More problems with Ragged Robin
- Why are there bugs on my Ragged Robin?
- What are these orange spots on my Ragged Robin?
- Why is my Ragged Robin drooping?
- Why are my Ragged Robin leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my Ragged Robin leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Ragged Robin not blooming?
- Why is my Ragged Robin growing leggy?
- Why are my Ragged Robin leaves curling?
Back to the Ragged Robin 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.