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Check these first
- Feel the soil two inches deep to see if it is soggy.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
- Check the base of the stems for any soft or mushy spots.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The foliage turns yellow or mushy and the soil feels constantly wet to the touch. You might also notice a sour or swampy smell coming from the pot.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top inch of soil dry out. If the plant is in a pot without drainage, move it to a container with holes right away.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water. The roots look brown and slimy instead of firm and white.
What to do: Repot your plant into a fresh, well draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand. Ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
Find out what's wrong with your creeping speedwell
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 stems are black and mushy at the base, the rot has likely spread too far to save the plant. It is normal for a few older leaves to die back occasionally, but widespread mushiness is a serious issue.
Stopping it coming back
Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Use a porous soil mix to ensure air can reach the roots.
Creeping speedwell: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping speedwell 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?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim away the mushy, dark roots with clean scissors and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil.
- How often should I water my creeping speedwell?
- Water every 2 to 5 days, but always check the soil moisture first. Keep the soil evenly moist but never let it sit in standing water.
More problems with creeping speedwell
Back to the creeping speedwell 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.