Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to check for dampness.
- Inspect the drainage holes to see if they are blocked.
- Lift the pot to see if it feels unusually heavy.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil feels damp to the touch and the base of the stem may feel soft or mushy.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, remove the plant from the pot, trim away black mushy roots, and repot in fresh, fast draining cactus mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface or stays in the saucer for days after watering.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty soil mix designed for succulents to prevent water from sitting around the roots.
Find out what's wrong with your dragon blood tree
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 stem base is soft and squishy, the plant is in critical danger. It is normal for the soil to be bone dry between waterings.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is completely dry before adding more water, usually every 14 to 30 days.
Dragon blood tree: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dragon blood tree 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 tree with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry, well draining soil.
- How often should I water?
- Water every 14 to 30 days depending on the heat and light. Always check that the soil is dry first.
More problems with Dragon blood tree
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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.