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Check these first
- Feel the soil an inch deep to see if it is wet.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Look at the base of the stems for soft or black tissue.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems feel mushy near the base and the foliage turns yellow or brown quickly.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and let the soil dry out for at least 10 days. If the plant is in a pot without holes, repot it into a container with drainage using fresh, well draining cactus mix.
Poor Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits on the surface of the soil for a long time after you water.
What to do: Amend your soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration. Ensure the pot has large holes at the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape.
Find out what's wrong with your woolly stemodia
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 stems have turned black and mushy all the way to the soil line, the plant is likely too far gone to save.
Stopping it coming back
Always wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before adding more water.
Woolly Stemodia: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your woolly stemodia 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?
- If you catch it early, you can trim away the mushy roots and repot the plant in dry soil. If the rot has reached the main stems, it is usually best to start over with a new plant.
- How often should I water?
- Aim for every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil dryness first. Never water on a strict schedule if the soil is still damp.
More problems with Woolly Stemodia
Back to the Woolly Stemodia 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.