What is a typical symptom of overwatering plants?

The typical symptom of overwatering plants includes yellowing leaves and root rot. When plants receive too much water, the excess moisture saturates the soil, hindering the plant's root system from properly oxygenating. This leads to a condition commonly known as root rot, where the roots begin to decay due to lack of oxygen and the presence of pathogens in overly moist conditions.

As the roots die back, they are unable to take up essential nutrients and water, which causes the leaves to yellow. This yellowing occurs because the plant is no longer able to maintain its normal metabolic functions and nutrient transport. Additionally, this poor health state can lead to further symptoms, such as wilting or stunted growth, but the yellowing of leaves paired with root rot is a primary indicator of the overwatering issue.

In healthy plants, the balance of water is crucial for optimal growth, and recognizing the signs associated with excess water can help prevent significant damage to the plant.