Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the base of the plant for any foul odors.
- Press gently on the center to check for mushy spots.
- Remove the plant from the water tray immediately.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the plant feels soft, mushy, or emits a sour smell.
What to do: Remove the plant from the water immediately. Let it air dry on a paper towel for 3 to 5 days until it is completely firm again.
Lack of airflow
PossibleHow to tell: The plant stays damp for days even after being removed from the water tray.
What to do: Place the plant in a spot with better air circulation. Avoid keeping it in humid bathrooms or enclosed glass containers.
Find out what's wrong with your rose of jericho
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 plant is falling apart or has visible mold growth, it may be too far gone to recover. Minor softness can usually be fixed by drying it out.
Stopping it coming back
Never leave the plant in water for more than a few days at a time. Always give it a rest period of at least a week between waterings.
Rose of Jericho: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rose of jericho 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.
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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I use fertilizer to help it recover?
- No, do not use fertilizer. This plant does not require nutrients and adding them can cause more stress.
- How do I know if it is dry enough?
- The plant should feel firm and brittle to the touch, not soft or spongy.
More problems with Rose of Jericho
Back to the Rose of Jericho guide
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.