Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Check if the pot has functional drainage holes.
- Gently lift the tree to see if the roots are firm.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The tree stops growing and the leaves start wilting even when the soil is wet. The roots will look dark and mushy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the tree from its pot and trim away any black, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the tree into fresh, well draining soil and reduce your watering frequency.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for a long time and the base of the trunk feels soft. The leaves may turn yellow or brown quickly.
What to do: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer full of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your chinese tallow
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
Root rot is a serious condition that can kill the tree if not caught early. If the entire root system is black and mushy, it is likely too late to save the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a well draining potting mix and never let the tree sit in standing water. Check the soil moisture before you add more water.
Chinese tallow: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese tallow 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 tree with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove the damaged roots, there is a good chance the tree will recover. It will need time to grow new, healthy roots.
- How often should I water to avoid this?
- Water every 7 to 14 days, but always check the soil first. If the top 2 inches are still damp, wait a few more days.
More problems with Chinese tallow
Back to the Chinese tallow 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.