Can I save a cactus with root rot?

If you catch it early and the rot is limited to the roots, you can trim the bad parts and repot it. If the rot has reached the stem, the plant will likely collapse.

How often should I water?

Water every 14 to 30 days during the growing season. Always check that the soil is bone dry before adding more water.

Golden Barrel Cactus: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Press gently on the base of the cactus to check for softness.
Stick a wooden skewer into the soil to see if it comes out damp.
Inspect the drainage holes to ensure they are not blocked.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the cactus feels squishy to the touch and may turn brown or black. You might also notice a foul smell coming from 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 with clean shears and repot in fresh, dry cactus soil.
Poor Drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering. The pot might lack drainage holes or the soil mix is too dense.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Mix your potting soil with perlite or pumice at a 1 to 1 ratio to improve airflow.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your golden barrel cactus

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

If the mushiness has spread to the main body of the cactus, it is often too late to save it. A firm base is a sign of a healthy plant.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Use a gritty, fast draining soil mix designed specifically for cacti.

Golden Barrel Cactus: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your golden barrel cactus 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 cactus with root rot?: If you catch it early and the rot is limited to the roots, you can trim the bad parts and repot it. If the rot has reached the stem, the plant will likely collapse.
How often should I water?: Water every 14 to 30 days during the growing season. Always check that the soil is bone dry before adding more water.

Why is my Golden Barrel Cactus base turning mushy?