Why is my Mother of Thyme rotting at the base?

Check these first

1. Feel the soil two inches deep to check for dampness.
2. Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
3. Smell the soil for any signs of decay.

Likely causes

1. Overwatering

   Most likely

   How to tell: The stems feel mushy at the base and the plant smells musty or sour.

   What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the soil is heavy, repot the plant into a sandy, well draining mix.

2. Poor Drainage

   Possible

   How to tell: Water pools on the surface of the soil long after you have finished watering.

   What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Mix in perlite or coarse sand to improve the soil structure.

Root rot in other plants

When to worry

If the stems are black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings and use a gritty, fast draining soil mix.

Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early, you can trim away the black, mushy roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.

How often should I water my Mother of Thyme?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but only if the soil is completely dry to the touch.

More problems with Mother of Thyme

• Why is my Mother of Thyme growing long and leggy?
• Why are the leaves on my Mother of Thyme turning yellow?
• Why are my Mother of Thyme leaves getting brown tips?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme drooping?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme losing its leaves?
• Why is my Mother of Thyme not flowering?