Root Rot in Succulents
Succulents and cacti are prone to getting overwatered and developing root rot, even more than other popular houseplants. If you follow proper watering practices and keep your succulent in well-draining soil in a container with drainage holes, it should be possible to avoid root rot. But sometimes well-intentioned plant owners love their succulents a little too much and end up killing them.
Root rot occurs when waterlogged soil prevents roots from taking in oxygen, or when any of several varieties of fungus grow in the overly wet environment.
Identifying Root Rot
The first signs of overwatering are yellow, mushy leaves that drop off the plant easily. If the problem is not resolved at this point, the leaves and/or stem of the succulent will turn brown or black. It will be difficult to save a succulent at this point, but it may still be possible. The section below will detail how to prevent and cure root rot.
Preventing Root Rot
It’s much better to avoid root rot in the first place than to try to cure it. Succulents store a lot of moisture in their stems and leaves, which allows them to live through periods of drought. But that also means that people tend to give them more water than they need, because their soil seems dry.
Proper watering practices are key to preventing root rot. Only plant succulents in containers with drainage holes, and use a chunky, free-draining soil to keep the roots from staying too moist. Only water when the soil is completely dry. If there’s any doubt, wait a few more days. Remember, succulents are made for dry conditions, and they are very resilient.
Curing Root Rot
If your succulents have already developed root rot, it may still be possible to save them, depending on how much damage has been done. The first step is to carefully remove the plant from its pot to see what the roots look like. Remove as much soil as you can, and trim off any roots that are black or dark brown or that feel mushy or slimy.
Let the plant air dry for a day or two, leaving the roots exposed. Once the roots feel dry to the touch, you can replant it in fresh potting mix. Be careful not to subject your succulent to any unnecessary stress (direct sun, temperature extremes, etc.) while it recovers. In most cases, as long as there are healthy roots left, your succulent will bounce back in a few weeks. If the roots are totally rotted and unhealthy, you might be able to save some healthy stems or leaves and propagate a new plant from those instead.