Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the soil feels soggy or swampy.
- Inspect the crown for soft or mushy tissue.
- Verify that the plant is not buried too deeply in the soil.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant turns mushy and brown, and the leaves start to collapse.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy, amend it with grit or sand to improve drainage.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools around the crown after rain or irrigation.
What to do: Lift the plant and replant it on a slight mound or in a raised bed. This helps water drain away from the sensitive crown.
Find out what's wrong with your lamb's ear
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 entire center of the plant is mushy and smells bad, it is likely too late to save that section. Remove the rotted parts to prevent spread.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant in well draining soil and avoid watering directly onto the crown of the plant.
Keep your lamb's ear 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 plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the rotted parts and improve drainage. If the rot has reached the main roots, the plant is usually lost.
- How often should I water?
- Only water when the soil is completely dry, which is usually every 7 to 14 days. Never let the plant sit in standing water.
More problems with Lamb's ear
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.