Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger into the soil to check for dampness.
- Gently wiggle the stem to see if it feels loose in the soil.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel soft or squishy rather than firm. The soil may stay damp for more than 21 days.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, you may need to cut off healthy stem tips to propagate them and discard the rest.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot or the soil stays heavy and wet. The plant has no way to breathe.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with drainage holes using a fast draining succulent mix. Add perlite or pumice to the soil to improve airflow.
Find out what's wrong with your string of buttons
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the stem is black or dark brown and mushy, the rot has likely reached the core. This is usually fatal for the plant.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the soil is bone dry all the way through. Use a gritty soil mix that drains quickly.
String of Buttons: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of buttons 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 plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early, you can let the soil dry out. If the roots are already black and slimy, your best bet is to take healthy cuttings.
- How often should I water?
- Aim for every 10 to 21 days, but always check the soil first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.
More problems with String of Buttons
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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.