How often should I water?

Water every 10 to 21 days, but only if the soil is bone dry. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.

Can I save a mushy stem?

If the rot is only at the bottom, you can cut the healthy top portion off and propagate it as a cutting. Discard the rotted base and soil.

Climbing Aloe: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for dampness.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Gently pull the plant to see if it feels loose in the soil.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The stem feels soft or mushy at the base, and the leaves may turn yellow or translucent. The soil likely feels damp even after two weeks.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors and repot in fresh, dry, well draining succulent soil.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil stays heavy and dense. The plant looks like it is struggling to stay upright.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a cactus mix amended with extra perlite to improve airflow to the roots.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your climbing aloe

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.

When to worry

If the stem is soft and mushy all the way up, the rot has likely reached the core and the plant may be beyond saving. Minor root damage can be fixed with repotting.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again, which usually takes 10 to 21 days.

Climbing Aloe: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your climbing aloe 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How often should I water?: Water every 10 to 21 days, but only if the soil is bone dry. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.
Can I save a mushy stem?: If the rot is only at the bottom, you can cut the healthy top portion off and propagate it as a cutting. Discard the rotted base and soil.

Why is my Climbing Aloe's base turning mushy?