---
title: "Is this stem rot? Philodendron Dean McDowell I had buried two of my…"
description: "Is this stem rot? Philodendron Dean McDowell I had buried two of my leaf stems too deep in error when repotting and they rotted at the base where the soil was.…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/zLUIHWAcX3kucYNWM79Yao"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Jojo"
published: "2025-03-22T21:43:48.911807Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JaZIy0cbOeXAEWi3g58mDIvr95u7_e1Wqv5CFCly-gg/DKE6ctamSoyLsngSoNVeKw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Is this stem rot? Philodendron Dean McDowell I had buried two of my…

_Posted by Jojo on 2025-03-22_

Is this stem rot? Philodendron Dean McDowell  
I had buried two of my leaf stems too deep in error when repotting and they rotted at the base where the soil was. I since moved the plant up on top of the soil but now I am wondering if this is the beginning rot on the base here or if it’s normal? It’s very hard not soft at all  
Pot has drainage on sides and bottom- in a chunky aroid mix

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JaZIy0cbOeXAEWi3g58mDIvr95u7_e1Wqv5CFCly-gg/DKE6ctamSoyLsngSoNVeKw.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Jojo commented on 2025-03-22

Example of rotted leaf stem

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JaZIy0cbOeXAEWi3g58mDIvr95u7_e1Wqv5CFCly-gg/y7xBdAKNRYCqYC2jxqO8qA.webp?size=large)

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-03-22

Is it mushy?

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2025-03-22

I see you said it's firm. If it's firm it may just be normal aging. Especially if you arent seeing any other signs of distress. Some portions will die back without rotting too.

#### Jojo replied on 2025-03-25

I had another leaf start to go soft on me today so I pulled up the plant to check out the roots and they were super dry, I’m wondering if I didn’t water it soon enough I also have it right by a humidifier so maybe that’s the issue? I moved her away from the humidifier and gave it some water hoping it helps! The other leaves seem fine for now lol

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