Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the base of the stems to check for mushiness.
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to feel for dampness.
- Inspect the bottom of the pot to ensure water can escape.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the stems feels soft or squishy to the touch. You might also notice a foul smell coming from the soil.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the rot is advanced, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, well draining cactus mix after trimming away any black, mushy roots.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after watering. The pot lacks holes at the bottom.
What to do: Move your plant into a pot with drainage holes. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix specifically designed for succulents.
Find out what's wrong with your fire stick
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 stems are turning black and mushy at the base, the plant is in serious danger. A little bit of shriveling is normal, but rot is usually fatal if not caught early.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again, which usually takes 14 to 30 days.
Fire Stick: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fire stick 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 the rot is limited to a few roots, you can trim them off and repot the plant. If the main stem is mushy, the plant likely cannot be saved.
- How often should I water?
- Water only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 14 to 30 days depending on your home environment.
More problems with Fire Stick
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.