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Marigold · Tagetes

Why is my marigold wilting and yellowing?

Root rot is almost always caused by too much water or soil that does not drain well. Check the soil moisture and the smell of the roots to confirm.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Stick your finger an inch into the soil to check for dampness.
  2. Check the bottom of the pot for standing water.
  3. Gently pull the plant out to see if the roots look brown and mushy.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The soil stays soggy and the leaves turn yellow before the plant wilts.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the pot has no drainage holes, move the plant to one that does.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Add perlite to the soil to improve airflow to the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marigold

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 roots are black and smell like rotting vegetation, the plant is likely beyond saving. If only a few roots are affected, you might be able to trim them away.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Ensure your pots always have drainage holes.

Marigold: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marigold 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?
If you catch it early, trim the mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. Do not water for a few days to let the roots recover.
How often should I water my marigold?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but always check the soil first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still wet.

More problems with Marigold

Back to the Marigold 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.