Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Gently tug on the center leaves to see if they are loose.
- Smell the base of the plant for any signs of decay.
- Check if the plant has been sitting in a humid, stagnant area.
Likely causes
Water Pooling
Most likelyHow to tell: The center leaves pull away easily from the base with a dark, slimy appearance. You might notice a musty or rotting smell coming from the plant.
What to do: Immediately stop soaking the plant. Gently remove any loose, rotting leaves and let the plant dry out in a well ventilated area for a few days.
Poor Air Circulation
PossibleHow to tell: The plant stays damp for too long after watering because it is in a stagnant spot. The leaves may look dull or start to turn brown at the base.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better air movement. Always shake the plant upside down after watering to ensure no water is trapped in the center.
Find out what's wrong with your air plant
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 entire base of the plant is mushy and falling apart, it is likely too late to save it. A little browning at the very tips is normal, but mushiness at the base is critical.
Stopping it coming back
Always shake your air plant vigorously after soaking and dry it upside down. Never let it sit in a container where water can collect at the bottom.
Air plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your air plant 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 that has rot?
- If the rot is only on a few outer leaves, you can remove them and hope for the best. If the center core is mushy, the plant usually cannot recover.
- How long should I let my air plant dry?
- You should let it dry for at least 4 hours. It should be completely dry to the touch before you put it back in its display.
More problems with Air plant
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.