PlantPal

When the pot stays wet

If the mix stays wet between waterings, check the pot and its drainage before adding more.

Overwatered lithops before repotting; watering needs vary by plant.
Overwatered lithops before repotting; watering needs vary by plant. Photo: yellowcloud from Germany · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and converted for display.

What to check first

Feel below the surface and lift the pot if you can. Check for water trapped inside a decorative pot, blocked drainage holes or dense, compacted mix. A dry surface can hide a wet root ball.

What to do now

Empty standing water and let the mix dry to the level the plant needs. If the container has no drainage, use an inner pot with holes. Water based on the mix rather than a fixed day of the week.

What to watch next

If the pot still takes much longer than usual to dry, or the plant wilts while wet, check the roots for softness and the mix for compaction.

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