Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Lift the pot to see if water is sitting in the saucer.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels constantly damp and the base of the stems may look mushy or dark.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the plant is severely affected, repot it into fresh, well draining soil and trim away any black, slimy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface or sits in the bottom of the decorative pot.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a chunky potting mix with perlite or orchid bark to improve airflow around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your xanadu philodendron
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
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the stems are turning black and mushy at the base, the plant is in serious trouble. A single yellowing leaf is normal as the plant ages.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and never let the pot sit in standing water.
Xanadu Philodendron: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your xanadu philodendron 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 adjust your watering schedule.
- How often should I water my Xanadu?
- Aim for every 7 to 10 days, but always check the soil moisture first.
More problems with Xanadu Philodendron
- What are these tiny spots on my Xanadu leaves?
- Why are my Xanadu Philodendron leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Xanadu Philodendron getting leggy?
- Why are my Xanadu Philodendron's leaf tips brown?
- Why is my Xanadu Philodendron drooping?
- Why is my Xanadu Philodendron dropping leaves?
- Why does my Xanadu Philodendron have spots on its leaves?
- Why are my Xanadu Philodendron leaves curling?
Back to the Xanadu Philodendron 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.