Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press gently on the base of the plant to check for softness.
- Check the soil moisture level with your finger or a wooden skewer.
- Inspect the drainage hole for clogs.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The base of the cactus feels squishy or soft to the touch. The skin might look translucent or dark brown.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and take the plant out of its pot. Trim away any black or slimy roots and repot in fresh, dry cactus soil.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a week after watering. There is no drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
What to do: Switch to a pot with large drainage holes. Use a gritty soil mix that contains plenty of perlite or pumice to ensure water flows through quickly.
Find out what's wrong with your bunny ears 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.
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When to worry
If the rot has reached the main stem, it is often too late to save the plant. If only some roots are affected, you have a good chance of recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Only water when the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot.
Bunny Ears Cactus: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bunny ears 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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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- How often should I water?
- There is no set schedule. Wait until the soil is bone dry, which could be every 2 to 4 weeks depending on your home temperature.
- Can I save a mushy pad?
- If the rot is contained to one pad, remove it immediately. If the rot is at the base, the whole plant is likely compromised.
More problems with Bunny Ears Cactus
Back to the Bunny Ears Cactus 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.