Basal rot is a form of plant decay that begins at the base of the stem, bulb, or crown, typically where the plant meets the growing medium. It is most often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that thrive in persistently wet, low-oxygen conditions.
The affected tissue becomes soft, darkened, and may collapse, often accompanied by a foul odor. In bulb plants and rosette-forming houseplants, basal rot can spread upward into the core, leading to rapid plant failure. Overwatering, poor drainage, and compacted media increase risk by limiting oxygen at the root zone.
Basal rot is distinct from root rot in that it originates at the stem base or crown rather than primarily in the roots, though the two conditions often occur together under the same conditions.
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