Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press the soil to see if it feels soggy.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Gently lift the plant to inspect the roots for a foul smell.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves feel mushy or translucent and the base of the plant turns brown or black.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the plant from its pot. Trim away any black or slimy roots, let the remaining healthy roots dry for two days, and repot in fresh, well draining succulent soil.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil remains damp for more than a week after watering and the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Move the plant into a pot with drainage holes. Use a gritty soil mix containing perlite or pumice to ensure water passes through quickly.
When to worry
If the base of the plant is mushy and the leaves are falling off, the rot may have reached the stem, which is often fatal. It is normal for the bottommost leaf to shrivel and dry up as the plant grows.
Stopping it coming back
Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your haworthia.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- How often should I water my Haworthia?
- Water every 14 to 21 days. Always check that the soil is bone dry before adding more water.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Remove the mushy roots and repot in dry, airy soil.
More problems with Haworthia
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.