Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
- Lift the plant to see if the roots are firm or mushy.
- Inspect the pot for clogged drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel mushy or translucent and the base of the plant looks dark or soft.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the plant from its pot. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors and repot into fresh, dry succulent soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a few days after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty, well draining cactus mix to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your lace 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.
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When to worry
If the entire base is soft and the leaves are falling off, the rot may have reached the core, which is often fatal.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again, which usually takes 14 to 21 days.
Lace Aloe: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lace 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then wait a week before watering again.
- How often should I water my Lace Aloe?
- Water every 14 to 21 days, but only if the soil is bone dry. It is better to underwater than overwater.
More problems with Lace Aloe
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.