How often should I water?

Water every 7 to 14 days, but only when the soil is bone dry. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding water.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If caught early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the stem, it is usually fatal.

Antelope horns: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil 2 inches deep to see if it is soggy.
Check the drainage holes in the pot.
Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than 2 weeks. The base of the stem may look mushy or discolored.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Poor soil drainage
Possible
How to tell: The water pools on the surface for a long time after watering. The soil feels heavy and dense like clay.
What to do: Repot the plant into a mix that includes perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. Ensure the pot is not too large, as extra soil holds too much moisture.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your antelope horns

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 base is soft or mushy, the rot may be advanced. If the plant is wilting and the roots are black and slimy, it is likely too late to save it.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. Use a well draining soil mix designed for desert plants.

Antelope horns: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your antelope horns 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 7 to 14 days, but only when the soil is bone dry. Always check the soil moisture with your finger before adding water.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If caught early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry soil. If the rot has reached the stem, it is usually fatal.

Why is my Antelope horns wilting even when the soil is wet?