Succulent Root Rot Vs Healthy Roots

Last Updated on February 4, 2022 by Griselda M.

Succulent root rot vs healthy roots – the difference is quite obvious. However, not many people are aware of this, especially first-time gardeners. Some plants don’t show signs of root rot right away. So today on the blog, we are going to find the main difference and spot some early signs of root rot.

So, what is root rot? Root rot is a condition that refers to a range of diseases affecting plant roots. Majority of plants that suffer root rot die eventually. It’s like a chain reaction that starts with the roots and eventually, the whole plant.

How To Spot Signs Of Succulent Root Rot?

Succulent root rot essentially with the roots. But since the roots are buried underground, you won’t eventually spot it until it shows signs on the stem.

At the high-level phases of root decay, indications will start to show up on the stem of the plant and afterward the lower leaves. In the two cases, they will step by step become paler and yellow. Sooner or later, the leaves of your plant will feel mushier. The moment this happens, it will be more difficult to save your plant.

It’s feasible to find a succulent stem becoming yellow and opposite root decay. A few sorts of succulents will show a dark stem. When the decay has spread into the stem it’s probably not going to have the option to be mended at any rate.

Here is a significant note – if only the lower leaves are turning yellow the reason for the root rot is overwatering. When there’s too much water on the soil, it climbs up to the steam and reaches the lower leaves first. If this is the case, you need to stop watering your plant for a while.

If the top of the leaves is turning yellow, it is nutrient deficiency. This means that your soil is not giving enough nutrients for your plants to stay green and healthy. Hence, you may need to add fertilizer.

What Does Root Rot Look Like In Succulents?

 The roots of a healthy plant should be firm and would occupy the soil. Your plant will grow upright and sturdy. Root decay can be recognized by the presence of delicate, brown roots.

The root arrangement of a solid plant should be firm and white. However, when soil is wet, contagious spores increase and the growth starts to spread, creating in the limits of the roots first.

 As the growth progresses, solid segments of the root become brown and soft as the roots pass on. The plant is then unfitted to ingest the supplements it needs, and that lack becomes evident in the state of plant foliage. Your plants will start to shrivel and become yellow or tumble off, development eases back, and blossoming might be delayed.

In the most outrageous cases, your plants die in 7-10 days. 

If these side effects happen in a plant, mulch the soil around the foundation of the plant with a hand scoop or digging tool. They eliminate the plant from the soil. Tenderly shake the dirt from the roots and check for root decay.

 Why Is My Succulent Stem Turning Brown?

If your succulent stem is turning brown, it may be suffering from root rot or over-exposure to the sun. The stems would appear either black or brown, and mushy. If this is the case, you need to check on your plant’s root and replant it right away. There’s no use watering or fertilizing your succulent that is already turning brown. 

IN most cases, succulents that are turning brown are on the brink of death. To begin, you need to dig your succulent and uproot it. If it is on a pot, you have to take it out on the pot and check the roots. Root rot is characterized by mushy roots or sometimes, your plant may not have roots anymore after dissolving into the mushy mess.

If it still has roots, you can dry your plant out. Put your plant in a clean newspaper and let it lay in a safe spot in your garden. Note that this works only if the affected plant’s leaves haven’t turned yellow yet. 

However, if the rot has already spread into the stem and the leaves, you need to separate the rotted pot. Use a clean scissor to cut your succulents and see if you can still save the remaining plant. If what remains still have the stem, there is a chance that it may grow again. 

What Do Healthy Succulent Roots Look Like?

Succulent root rot vs healthy root – sometimes the signs are not too obvious. The following are the signs that your succulents are healthy and happy. 

• Upright leaves and stems. Although succulents have mushy leaves, you know they are healthy when their leaves feel firm when you touch them. Ideally, they should look blooming and upright.
• Green and vibrant in color. Whether you have a purple echeveria or a green Sting of Bananas, the colors of your succulent should look vibrant. When they show their healthiest color, your garden can look stunning and attractive. Unhealthy succulents may have pale and yellowish leaves. Some succulents may develop redness if exposed to the sun for too long.
• Healthy roots. Succulents need water meagerly since they are fit to warm and dry environments. The roots will be solid and not a spoiled wreck assuming that the plant is watered once every week in the warm dry climate. Succulent pots ordinarily have more than one drainage opening to guarantee the roots stay in the ideal structure without getting obstructed. These durable plants flourish because of their thick sound roots and you can guarantee this by watering the roots through the channel opening and not by just showering the top with a splash bottle.
• Baby succulents growing. Succulents can easily thrive even in arid conditions. You know your succulent is healthy when they develop rosettes or baby succulents.

Read more about Secret On How To Germinate Succulent Seeds.