Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Touch the soil to see if it is damp.
- Inspect the base of the stem for mushy spots.
- Check if the pot has holes at the bottom.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy or soft near the soil line and the leaves may turn translucent.
What to do: Stop watering immediately. Repot the plant into fresh, dry cactus soil and trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface or the pot lacks holes at the bottom.
What to do: Move the plant to a pot with drainage holes. Ensure you use a gritty soil mix designed for succulents to allow excess water to escape.
Find out what's wrong with your sedum
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 and falling over, the rot has likely reached the core and the plant cannot be saved.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the soil is bone dry before adding more water, usually every 14 to 30 days.
Sedum: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sedum 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. Trim the dead roots, let the stem callous for a day, and repot in dry soil.
- How often should I water my stonecrop?
- Only water every 14 to 30 days. Always check that the soil is completely dry first.
More problems with Sedum
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.