Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Feel the soil 2 inches down to see if it is saturated.
- Inspect the base of the stems for soft or discolored tissue.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy near the base and the leaves look wilted despite wet soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a well draining mix with perlite or sand.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Elevate the pot slightly on a saucer or feet to allow air to circulate underneath.
Find out what's wrong with your ceylon spinach
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 or mushy, the rot has likely spread to the crown and the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the top inch of soil dry out completely before adding more water.
Ceylon spinach: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ceylon spinach 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 away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
More problems with Ceylon spinach
- Why is my Ceylon spinach growing so leggy?
- Why are my Ceylon spinach leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Ceylon spinach drooping?
- Why are my Ceylon spinach leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Ceylon spinach dropping leaves?
- Why does my Ceylon spinach have spots on its leaves?
- Are there bugs on my Ceylon spinach?
Back to the Ceylon spinach 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.