root rot on Echeveria
Quick answer
If your Echeveria has root rot, the most likely cause is: Soggy warm soil creates anaerobic conditions favorable to Pythium fungus; prolonged saturation (3+ days) leads to root rot visible as darkened, mushy roots. Watering during hot midday hours leaves soil like hot water inside the pot.
Start here:
- 1. 1. Move plant to cool partial shade immediately
- 2. 2. Stop watering and allow soil to dry completely
Why Echeveria gets root rot
Echeveria spp.
Soggy warm soil creates anaerobic conditions favorable to Pythium fungus; prolonged saturation (3+ days) leads to root rot visible as darkened, mushy roots. Watering during hot midday hours leaves soil like hot water inside the pot.
How to reverse root rot on Echeveria
- 1
1. Move plant to cool partial shade immediately
- 2
2. Stop watering and allow soil to dry completely
- 3
3. Remove from pot and check roots — healthy = firm/white, rotted = darkened/mushy
- 4
4. Trim rotted roots with sterile utility knife
- 5
5. Repot in fresh mix: 5 parts small-grain Akadama, 3 parts Kanuma, 2 parts mulch with gravel layer at bottom
Keep root rot off this Echeveria
Water only when top soil is dry. Use pots with drainage holes. In summer, move plants to partial shade and water less frequently than during spring/fall growing season.