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Panda plant · Kalanchoe tomentosa

Why is my Panda Plant wilting and mushy?

Root rot is a serious issue for succulents like the Panda Plant, usually caused by too much water sitting in the soil. Check the base of the plant and the soil moisture immediately to see if the roots are drowning.

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root rot on a plant
Photo: Ninjatacoshell, CC BY-SA 3.0

Check these first

  1. Touch the soil to see if it is damp.
  2. Inspect the stem base for dark, soft spots.
  3. Check if the pot has drainage holes.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves feel soft or mushy and the stem near the soil line looks dark or discolored.

    What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out completely. If the plant is severely affected, remove it from the pot, trim away any black or slimy roots, and repot it in fresh, dry cactus soil.

  2. Poor Drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a few days after watering.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a porous, well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents to prevent water from pooling.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your panda plant

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 is mushy all the way through, the plant may be too far gone to save. It is normal for the plant to look slightly thirsty, but never mushy.

Stopping it coming back

Only water when the soil is completely dry from top to bottom, which usually takes 14 to 28 days.

Panda plant: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your panda plant 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.

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Questions people ask

Can I save a plant with root rot?
Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots and repot in dry soil, then wait a week before watering again.
How often should I check the roots?
You only need to check the roots if the plant shows signs of distress like wilting or yellowing leaves.

More problems with Panda plant

Back to the Panda plant guide

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.