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Pork and Beans · Sedum rubrotinctum

Why are my Pork and Beans stems turning mushy?

Root rot is the most common killer of these succulents. It happens when the roots sit in wet soil for too long and begin to decay.

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

Check these first

  1. Check if the pot has drainage holes.
  2. Feel the soil to see if it is soggy.
  3. Inspect the base of the stems for discoloration.

Likely causes

  1. Overwatering

    Most likely

    How to tell: The base of the stem turns brown or black and feels soft or squishy. The leaves may fall off at the slightest touch.

    What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, slimy roots. Repot it in fresh, dry cactus soil and wait a week before watering again.

  2. Poor drainage

    Possible

    How to tell: The soil stays wet for more than a few days after watering. The pot might lack holes at the bottom.

    What to do: Ensure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty, well draining soil mix designed for succulents.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pork and beans

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 entire stem is mushy, the plant is likely too far gone to save. If only a few roots are affected, you can usually save it with a quick repot.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings, which usually takes 14 to 21 days.

Pork and Beans: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pork and beans 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

How do I know if I am watering too much?
If the soil is still damp after two weeks, you are watering too often. Always check the soil depth with your finger before adding water.
Should I mist my plant?
No, never mist your Pork and Beans. They prefer dry air and will rot if the leaves stay wet.

More problems with Pork and Beans

Back to the Pork and Beans 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.