Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Touch the soil to see if it feels soggy.
- Gently pull the plant out of the pot to inspect the roots.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel soft or squishy, and the soil stays wet for a long time. The base of the plant may turn dark brown or black.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors. Repot into fresh, well draining cactus mix and wait 7 days before watering again.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot or the soil remains soggy for more than 2 weeks. The plant looks wilted despite having moist soil.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a porous pot like terracotta to help the soil dry out faster.
When to worry
If the stems are turning black and falling off, the rot is advanced. If the roots are mostly brown and mushy, the plant may not recover.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top 2 to 3 centimeters of soil are dry before adding more water. Never let your plant sit in a saucer full of water.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your rhipsalis.
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?
- Water every 7 to 14 days depending on your home temperature. Always check the soil moisture with your finger first.
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove all the dead roots, you can save it. If the rot has reached the main stems, it is usually too late.
More problems with Rhipsalis
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.