Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the base of the stem to see if it feels soft or mushy.
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not clogged.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stem feels mushy or soft to the touch and the leaves may turn translucent or yellow.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot has spread to the stem, you must cut off the healthy rosette and let it callous before repotting in fresh, dry succulent soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on top of the soil for a long time after watering or the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a gritty cactus mix. Ensure you never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your aeonium
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the stem is mushy all the way through, the plant is likely dying. It is normal for the lowest, oldest leaves to shrivel and fall off as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again, which usually takes 10 to 21 days.
Aeonium: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your aeonium and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. You can cut off the healthy top part, let it dry for a few days, and replant it in fresh soil.
- How often should I water my aeonium?
- Water every 10 to 21 days depending on your home temperature. Always check that the soil is completely dry before adding more water.
More problems with Aeonium
- What are these white spots on my aeonium?
- Why is my aeonium growing so tall and thin?
- Why are my Aeonium leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my Aeonium dropping its leaves?
- Why are my Aeonium's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my Aeonium drooping?
- Why does my Aeonium have spots?
- Why are my Aeonium's leaves curling?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.