Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy or muddy.
- Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots for a foul smell or dark color.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for more than two weeks and the plant looks wilted despite the moisture.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a well draining potting mix. Trim away any mushy or black roots with clean shears.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The base of the stem feels soft and the leaves are yellowing from the bottom up.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. Adjust your schedule to only water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Find out what's wrong with your yellow bells
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
If the stem base is mushy and soft, the plant may be too far gone to save. If the roots are still firm and white, the plant will likely recover.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your soil is loose and airy, and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your yellow bells 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?
- You can save it if you catch it early. Remove the damaged roots and repot in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water to prevent rot?
- Check the soil every 7 to 14 days. Only water when the top few inches feel dry to the touch.
More problems with Yellow Bells
- Why are there bugs on my Yellow Bells?
- Why is my Yellow Bells not blooming?
- Why are my Yellow Bells leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Tecoma stans looking so leggy?
- Why are the tips of my Tecoma stans leaves turning brown?
- Why is my Tecoma stans drooping?
- Why is my Tecoma stans dropping leaves?
- Why are my Tecoma stans leaves curling?
Back to the Yellow Bells guide
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.