Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Press the base of the plant to check for mushiness.
- Stick your finger 3 inches into the soil to feel for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant feels mushy or soft, and the leaves may start to yellow or collapse.
What to do: Stop watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry out completely for 30 days. If the rot is severe, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining cactus mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the saucer or the soil stays damp for more than a few days.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty, sandy soil mix specifically for succulents to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
When to worry
If the center of the plant is soft or smells foul, the rot has likely reached the core and the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is bone dry before watering, and never let the plant sit in standing water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your century plant.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can save it by removing the rotted roots and repotting in dry soil. If the base is already mushy, it is usually too late.
- How often should I water my Century plant?
- Water every 14 to 30 days, but only if the soil is completely dry. In winter, you can go even longer without water.
More problems with Century plant
Back to the Century plant guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.