How often should I water to prevent rot?

Water every 14 to 30 days, but only when the soil is bone dry. When in doubt, wait another week.

Can I save a cactus that has rot at the base?

You can try to cut off the healthy top portion and let it callous over for two weeks before replanting it. This is the only way to save a plant with severe base rot.

Peruvian torch cactus: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Press gently on the base of the stem to check for softness.
Smell the soil for a sour or moldy odor.
Check if the pot has holes at the bottom.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The base of the cactus turns dark brown or black and feels squishy when pressed.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and remove the cactus from its pot. Trim away any black, mushy roots and repot in fresh, dry cactus soil.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: The soil stays damp for more than a week after watering, and the pot lacks drainage holes.
What to do: Repot the plant into a container with large drainage holes. Use a gritty, well draining soil mix composed of 50 percent pumice or perlite.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your peruvian torch 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.

When to worry

If the rot has spread up the stem, the plant may be beyond saving. If the base is firm and only a few roots are affected, it is manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Always let the soil dry out completely between waterings and use a porous, inorganic soil mix.

Peruvian torch cactus: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your peruvian torch 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How often should I water to prevent rot?: Water every 14 to 30 days, but only when the soil is bone dry. When in doubt, wait another week.
Can I save a cactus that has rot at the base?: You can try to cut off the healthy top portion and let it callous over for two weeks before replanting it. This is the only way to save a plant with severe base rot.

How do I know if my Peruvian torch cactus has root rot?