Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Dig down slightly to check if the soil is waterlogged.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Examine the roots for a slimy or dark appearance.
Likely causes
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The base of the stalk feels soft or mushy, and the roots appear brown or black instead of white. The plant may look wilted even when the soil is wet.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the top 2 inches of soil dry out. If the soil is heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage. Ensure your planting site is not in a low spot where water pools.
Pythium Root Rot
PossibleHow to tell: The roots look stunted and decayed, and the plant stops growing entirely. You might notice a foul smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Remove the affected plant to prevent the fungus from spreading to neighbors. Improve soil drainage by adding perlite or sand. Avoid planting in the same spot next season.
Find out what's wrong with your maize
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 stalk is soft at the base, the plant likely cannot be saved. If only the tips of the roots are brown, you can often save the plant by adjusting your watering.
Stopping it coming back
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry and ensure your garden bed has excellent drainage.
Keep your maize healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How often should I water my corn?
- Water every 2 to 4 days, keeping the soil evenly moist. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.
- Can I fix root rot with fertilizer?
- No, fertilizer will stress a sick plant further. Focus on drying out the soil and improving drainage first.
More problems with Maize
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.