Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Gently lift the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots.
- Smell the soil for a sour or rotten odor.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Excessive Watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant looks wilted despite the soil being wet. The roots will appear brown, slimy, and smell bad.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any mushy, black roots with clean scissors. Repot into a clean container with fresh, well draining succulent soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits at the bottom of the pot after you water. The soil stays heavy and wet for weeks.
What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a porous pot like terracotta to help the soil dry out faster.
Find out what's wrong with your bear's paw
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 root system is black and mushy, the plant may be too far gone. If there are still firm, white roots, there is a good chance for recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a gritty, fast draining soil mix and wait until the pot feels very light before watering again.
Bear's Paw: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bear's paw 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
- How often should I water to prevent rot?
- Water every 14 to 21 days, but only if the soil is completely dry. When in doubt, wait another week.
- Can I use regular potting soil?
- No, regular soil holds too much moisture. Mix in perlite or pumice to create a fast draining environment.
More problems with Bear's Paw
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.