Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the base of the trunk to check for softness.
- Stick a wooden skewer into the soil to see if it comes out damp.
- Inspect the pot to ensure it has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the trunk feels squishy or soft to the touch. The soil remains damp for weeks at a time.
What to do: Stop watering immediately. If the soil is soggy, repot the plant into fresh, dry cactus mix and trim away any black or mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface or the pot lacks drainage holes. The plant shows signs of stress despite infrequent watering.
What to do: Move the plant to a pot with drainage holes. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix designed for succulents.
Find out what's wrong with your quiver tree
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.
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When to worry
If the trunk is soft and mushy, the plant may be beyond saving. A firm trunk is a sign of a healthy plant.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings and never let the pot sit in a saucer of water.
Quiver Tree: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your quiver tree 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 Quiver Tree with root rot?
- If you catch it early and the rot is limited to the roots, you can trim them and repot. If the rot has reached the main trunk, it is usually fatal.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 14 to 30 days depending on the season. Always ensure the soil is bone dry before adding more water.
More problems with Quiver Tree
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.