How do I know if the soil is dry enough?

Stick your finger or a wooden skewer deep into the soil. If it comes out clean and dry, it is time to water.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

If you catch it early and only some roots are affected, you can trim the rot and repot it. If the rot has reached the main stem, it is often better to take healthy leaf cuttings to start over.

Mexican snowball: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Press the stem near the soil to see if it feels soft or mushy.
Check if the soil is damp to the touch.
Verify that the pot has a drainage hole.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves feel soft or translucent, and the stem near the soil line turns brown or black and squishy. The plant may also lose its grip on the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any black or slimy roots, let the healthy parts dry for 2 days, and repot in fresh, well draining cactus mix.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering, or the pot lacks drainage holes at the bottom.
What to do: Ensure your pot has a hole at the bottom for excess water to escape. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix specifically for succulents to prevent water from pooling.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican snowball

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

This is a serious issue that can kill the plant quickly if not addressed. If the entire stem is mushy, the plant may be too far gone to save.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the soil is completely dry, which usually takes 10 to 21 days depending on your home environment.

Mexican snowball: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican snowball 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 do I know if the soil is dry enough?: Stick your finger or a wooden skewer deep into the soil. If it comes out clean and dry, it is time to water.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: If you catch it early and only some roots are affected, you can trim the rot and repot it. If the rot has reached the main stem, it is often better to take healthy leaf cuttings to start over.

Why is my Mexican snowball stem turning mushy?