Philodendron Decline After Unnecessary Repotting

The Classic Mistake

Philodendrons rarely need repotting. Moving to a larger pot adds soil that stays wet, rotting the fragile roots. Brown/black leaves follow.

Emergency Triage

1. Unpot and gently remove added soil.
2. Inspect roots: keep only firm, light-colored ones.
3. Repot into SMALLEST pot that fits remaining roots + minimal soil.
4. Water sparingly—let dry nearly completely between waterings.

If No Healthy Roots

Take stem cuttings (2–3 nodes), root in water or damp perlite, then pot. Discard the mother plant.