Taking care of your garden means finding the right balance of sun, soil, and—most importantly—water. While watering your plants is essential, too much of a good thing can backfire. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common (and sneakiest) ways to damage your plants.

At Soholt Landscaping, we understand how confusing plant care can be, especially when symptoms of overwatering can sometimes look like a lack of water. That’s why we’re here to break down the most common signs of overwatering plants, how to fix them, and how our team can help you create a lush, thriving landscape without the guesswork.

Why Overwatering Is a Problem

Water is vital for plants—but too much drowns their roots and cuts off oxygen. This leads to root rot, poor growth, and even death if left unchecked. Overwatering is especially risky in areas with clay soil, poor drainage, or frequent rainfall.

Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned plant parent, understanding how to tell if a plant is overwatered can save you time, money, and frustration.

1. Yellowing Leaves

One of the earliest symptoms of overwatering plants is yellowing leaves, especially on the lower part of the plant. While yellow leaves can also indicate a nutrient deficiency or aging, if the soil feels soggy, excess moisture is likely the culprit.

Plants that are waterlogged cannot properly absorb nutrients. Even though you're watering often, the roots are essentially starving. This yellowing is often accompanied by drooping or curling leaves.

2. Wilting (Despite Moist Soil)

Wilting usually signals that your plant needs water—but not always. When the soil is wet and your plant is still wilting, overwatering is likely to blame. Over time, too much moisture suffocates the roots, leading to a lack of oxygen and weakening the plant’s structure.

In this case, adding more water will only make things worse. That’s why it’s crucial to feel the soil before grabbing the hose.

3. Root Rot

Root rot is one of the most serious consequences of overwatering. It happens when roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long and begin to decay. This is common in container plants with poor drainage or garden beds that don't dry out between waterings.

You’ll know root rot is setting in if:

• You notice a foul smell near the base of the plant
  
  
• The roots appear black or mushy if you gently remove the plant from its container
  
  
• The plant stops growing or collapses completely
  
  

If left untreated, root rot can spread and kill your plant.

4. Mushy or Soft Stems

Another classic sign of overwatering is soft or mushy stems, especially near the base. When stems hold too much water, they lose firmness and structural integrity. If your plant’s stems feel squishy or seem to be rotting from the bottom up, overwatering is likely to blame.

This is particularly common in succulents and herbs, which are adapted to drier environments.

5. Leaf Drop

Are your plants suddenly shedding leaves? Leaf drop can occur when a plant is stressed—and water stress is a common cause. Overwatered plants may shed green or yellow leaves prematurely, especially during warm weather.

Unlike seasonal leaf drop in autumn, water-stressed plants drop leaves erratically. It’s their way of conserving energy when roots can’t deliver enough nutrients due to waterlogged soil.

6. Fungus or Mold Growth

Excess moisture creates the perfect environment for fungi, mold, and mildew. If you see white, fuzzy mold on the surface of your soil or mildew on the leaves, you’re likely overwatering.

Not only is this unsightly, but it can also spread disease to nearby plants. Regular overwatering can also attract pests like fungus gnats, which thrive in damp soil.

7. Slow or Stunted Growth

Even if your plant looks green, overwatering may be limiting its growth. One of the most subtle signs of overwatering plants is a general lack of new leaves, buds, or height. That’s because the roots, unable to breathe properly, can’t fuel healthy development.

Stunted growth is a red flag that your watering habits—or drainage—need adjustment.

How to Fix Overwatered Plants

Caught the signs early? Good news: many overwatered plants can recover with the right care. Here’s what to do:

1. Stop Watering Immediately

Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Always check moisture levels 1–2 inches below the surface before rewatering.

2. Improve Drainage

Make sure pots have drainage holes. In garden beds, consider adding compost or sand to improve soil structure. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water collects.

3. Repot If Needed

If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its container, trim off the damaged roots, and repot with fresh, dry soil. Disinfect the pot to prevent further contamination.

4. Water Less Often

Many plants do better with less frequent but deeper watering. Let the soil dry out slightly between sessions to avoid oversaturation.

Can Overwatered Plants Recover on Their Own?

In some cases, yes. If the overwatering wasn’t severe or prolonged, simply letting the soil dry out can help your plant bounce back. However, once root rot sets in, the damage becomes harder to reverse without intervention.

Keep an eye on how the plant responds once you change your watering routine. Recovery may take a few weeks, especially for indoor plants or shrubs with deeper roots.

A simple finger test—feeling the soil a couple inches down—can often reveal the truth.

How Soholt Landscaping Helps You Avoid Overwatering Issues

At Soholt Landscaping, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that thrive naturally. That means more than just planting beautiful greenery—it means selecting the right plants for your environment, improving soil conditions, and setting up irrigation systems that don’t overdo it.

We offer:

• Expert plant selection based on sun and water needs
  
  
• Drainage solutions to prevent water buildup
  
  
• Maintenance plans that include regular checks and seasonal adjustments
  
  
• Smart irrigation systems with timers and moisture sensors
  
  

Whether you’re dealing with soggy soil or worried about your plants' health, our team can help you take the guesswork out of watering.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Plants

Plants may not speak, but they’ll show you how they feel. Learning to recognize the signs of overwatering plants is a game-changer for anyone who wants a vibrant, long-lasting landscape. With a few changes to your watering routine—and a little support from the pros—you can turn things around.

Need Help Saving Your Plants?

Let Soholt Landscaping create a low-maintenance, beautiful garden that’s built to thrive in your local climate. From custom plant care to landscape design, we’re here to make sure your plants get the perfect amount of water—no more, no less.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more resilient yard.