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Clasping Venus looking glass · Triodanis perfoliata

Is my Triodanis perfoliata suffering from root rot?

Root rot is a serious issue that happens when the soil stays wet for too long. It usually means the plant is sitting in water or the soil does not drain well. Check the soil moisture and the smell of the roots first.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is wet.
  2. Check the drainage hole of your pot for clogs.
  3. Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow and the stems become soft or mushy at the base. The soil will feel constantly soggy to the touch.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and empty the saucer after every watering.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The water sits on top of the soil for a long time after watering. The roots appear brown and slimy instead of white and firm.

    What to do: Repot the plant into a container with fresh, well draining potting mix. Trim away any black or mushy roots with clean scissors before replanting.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your clasping venus looking glass

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

If the base of the stem turns brown and mushy, the rot has likely reached the crown. If the plant is just drooping slightly, it may recover with better watering habits.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Use a gritty, well draining soil mix to ensure roots get enough oxygen.

Clasping Venus looking glass: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your clasping venus looking glass 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?
If you catch it early, you can save it by trimming the bad roots and repotting in dry soil. If the stem is mushy, it is often too late.
How often should I water to avoid rot?
Water every 3 to 7 days, but only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

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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.