Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Dig down slightly to see if the bulb feels firm or soft.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks stunted and the leaves turn yellow or wilt despite moist soil. If you dig up the bulb, it will feel soft or smell foul.
What to do: Remove the bulb and discard it if it is mushy. Improve your soil by adding perlite or coarse sand to help water drain away from the bulb.
Excessive Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil remains constantly wet and the base of the stem shows signs of browning. The plant may stop growing entirely.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before adding more water.
Find out what's wrong with your tulip
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 bulb is soft or mushy, it is usually too late to save it. If the bulb is firm, you can save it by improving drainage.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant bulbs in soil that drains well and never let them sit in standing water.
Tulip: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tulip 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
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a tulip with root rot?
- If the bulb is still firm, you can replant it in fresh, well draining soil. If the bulb is mushy or smells bad, it must be discarded.
- How often should I water tulips?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on your climate. Always ensure the soil is moist but never waterlogged.
More problems with Tulip
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.