Overwatered Philodendron: How to Save It

Overwatering Philodendron is not uncommon, but what is concerning is that most of us don’t know how to revive one that is suffering from root rot.

The first sign is the yellow, mushy, and drooping leaves along with very soft and fragile stems – if spot them, you have an overwatered specimen at your disposal.

The second thing you need to watch out for are the signs of mold or mildew on the soil – you can make it out easily from a discolored growing medium and a distinct, musky smell.

The last sign is the plant exhibiting a very slow growth rate (If it survives this ordeal), with smaller than usual leaves.

The major issue is – you’re probably watering the plants a lot. I understand that it is out of care, but it does more harm than good!

A pot without a drainage hole at the bottom is a big NO for philos, as it eliminates the chances of excess water escaping the growing medium.

Using soil that retains too much moisture or lacks proper aeration can contribute to overwatering. A good homemade potting mix consists of three parts peat moss or coconut coir, two parts perlite or sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure.

Adding a handful of charcoal to the mix will be beneficial, too.

You need to understand that pots don’t contribute towards making plant bigger and healthier – they result in collecting more soil than required, which stores in more water than needed, and all this is a recipe for disaster!

Use a pot size that’s one or a maximum of 2 sizes bigger than the root ball of the plant – not more than that.

Start by carefully inspecting your philodendron. Check leaves and the soil. Gently remove the plant from its pot to examine the roots for signs of rot.

The first thing you need to do is to remove all the yellowing,