Root Rot7 min read
Root Rot Signs and What to Do
Root rot is most likely when yellowing, drooping, wet soil, sour smell, and mushy roots show up together.
Read the guidePlant + symptom guide
Succulents root rot
Root rot is more likely when decline comes with wet soil, sour smell, mushy roots, soft stems, or a sealed pot. It is worth checking carefully before repotting.
For succulents, adjust the diagnosis around this plant profile: Succulents usually fail indoors from too little light plus too much water. Mushy leaves point to rot; wrinkled leaves in dry soil point to thirst.
Most likely causes
overwateringno drainagedense soillow light plus slow dryingoverwatering or slow-drying soillow light slowing growth and water use
How to confirm it
Smell the soil and look for sour or swampy odor.
Slide the root ball out only if decline is severe or the pot has no drainage.
Check for brown, mushy roots versus firm pale roots.
Decide whether leaves are mushy and translucent or wrinkled and dry.
Check for stretching toward a window.
Next steps for Succulents
- Step 1
Isolate the plant if rot is severe or pests are also present.
- Step 2
Trim dead roots and repot into a faster-draining mix if roots are mushy.
- Step 3
Do not fertilize while roots are recovering.
Recommended reading
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Succulent Leaves Turning Mushy
Mushy succulent leaves usually mean too much water, too little light, poor drainage, or rot moving through the plant.
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Before you throw the plant away, separate water stress, root rot, pests, light problems, temperature stress, and normal leaf loss.
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Low light usually causes slow, leggy growth and wet soil. Too much light causes scorch, fading, and crisp patches on exposed leaves.
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Aloe Leaves Turning Brown
Aloe leaves turn brown from overwatering, rot, sun stress, dry stress, cold damage, or low light followed by sudden direct sun.
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Overwatered Plant Signs
An overwatered plant often looks thirsty. Wet soil, yellow lower leaves, drooping, fungus gnats, and soft stems are stronger clues than one symptom alone.
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